Ear training class

[IamGroot]

Anybody whose taken an ear training course have any feedback? Especially transcribing without an instrument.

I use interval and chord drill software (BIAB before my PC cratered, now use a free online program.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

The Internet is full of ear training. I tried several. The older we are when we start the harder ear training will be. In my case I did not take up music until I retired at 65 years of age, so ear training, for me, was not all that effective. However.....

Just playing with people I do pick up the basic changes, so I can hear the change and then draw on my theory knowledge to assume where the change went.

There is a lot of assumptions in what I do, most work out. It's that ole story of a good note being one fret from that bad note.

My point - the older you are when starting the harder it will be. But, there is hope. My ears are tin, so I can not recommend one over another.

Fact be known, I did not give it the time it would take, as they had already handed me the fake chord and all I had to do was follow the chord progressions and lock with the drummer's rhythm.

Good luck.

 

[LeeNunn]

No, but I've started using a keyboard to transcribe. Because I don't really play keyboards, I have to think about what the notes are before I play them. I think the process has improved my ear. Functional Ear Trainer is a fun app that makes the process a game, but transcribing real bass lines (and horn lines sometimes) seems more useful. Also, a keyboard makes it easier to analyze the chord structures.

 

[IamGroot]

Thanks for your input, guys. I have been doing self taught ear training on and off since around 2000 and I was wondering what the classroom format might offer that I am missing.

My goal is to play immediately on any song I hear on the spot. I am fairly good at it in some genres, but Reflections by the Supremes would have made me toast.

 

[GastonD]

I have been struggling with the issue too...well, first I had been neglecting it for a long time. Then I started approaching the ear training thing in a very haphazard way, using all kind of internet thingies. In the end, my best results came from actually deciding to make an investment into a well thought out and organized METHOD and opted for the See It Hear It, Hear It Play It program from the former Dick Grove School. While the school has been long defunct, the program is still available, and while not cheap it is excellent - methodical, done in progressive order and very comprehensive, i.e. includes an integrated approach to theory, performance and ear training.

 

[BassChuck]

Unless you're looking to compose symphonies during an extended prison term, the best way to deal with ear training (IMHO, of course) is to do so with your instrument in hand. Think of a melody, sing it, play it. Start simple and build. Repeat (everyday as part of your practice routine - ear training is a skill, a process, not knowledge, not an event).
Most people learn to shoot foul shots by throwing a ball at a hoop, not by reading about it. Drivers Ed does include some time spent in a car.

 

[bholder]

Unless you're looking to compose symphonies during an extended prison term

Wasn't exactly on my bucket list but almost sounds pleasant put that way!

 

[IamGroot]

Unless you're looking to compose symphonies during an extended prison term, the best way to deal with ear training (IMHO, of course) is to do so with your instrument in hand. Think of a melody, sing it, play it. Start simple and build. Repeat (everyday as part of your practice routine - ear training is a skill, a process, not knowledge, not an event).
Most people learn to shoot foul shots by throwing a ball at a hoop, not by reading about it. Drivers Ed does include some time spent in a car.

Interesting suggestion about having the bass in the hand. When the online tool does random intervals, I just figured out I should aim to hit both the random root note and the interval immediately (no trial and error poking around). Thats the real deal. Thanks for your suggestion

I have been training again with an online tool for a while (intervals, modes, chords) and I play along with random internet songs to improve my ear.