Ear Training – Why Do It?
In the previous part of these lessons we looked at what is ear training.
In this part we look at why we do ear training. The knowledge to differentiate between diverse notes and identify intervals is the first step in learning to play by ear. Building up ear training skills allows you to take the music from your head and play it own your instrument, whether that be guitar, piano or kazoo the understanding is the same.
The interval distance between notes is the building blocks of music. In fact all chords and scales are built up from intervals. When you can learn to identify these different intervals, you can begin to compose melodies and songs. Without a musical ear you may be competent at playing your instrument, but you will never be a musician.
Ear training is not a one off and should ideally be built into your daily schedule. Like any exercise, the aim should be gradual but steady improvement. Better to train every day for a short period of time than once a week in a large dose. Even professional musician must constantly test their ear training skills and sharpen them if they start to dull.
You may hear notes, but if you cannot correctly identify them and their relationship to each other, than you cannot claim to have an understanding. If you want to improve you ear training then you should download the EarBoost ear training software and try the free trial. I'm sure it will help improve you musical ear and your musicianship in general.