What do we mean when we say that someone “has a good ear”? Actually, the term
it can mean several things. When someone has a good ear, they can achieve in
at least one of the following:
1) they can identify, usually by the name of the note, the different tones they hear and sing those pitched tones;
2) can identify chords by name; me
3) can identify instruments or combinations of instruments within a musical
works.
Having a good ear is something most musicians live by. Have bad hearing
means you cannot recognize or tag the music you are listening to – an important
skill for performers and composers.
I run a songwriting website and I know how
important is a good ear. If you are a composer, having a good ear is vital because
The best way to improve your songwriting skills is to listen to the music of the
Professionals. But if you can’t really identify what you’re hearing, you’re missing out
looking for opportunities to improve. Throughout my years as a music teacher, I have
I observed something interesting and very important. The brands that my students
do in music theory studies are usually very close to the marks they receive in the ear
training. And more than that, I can usually gauge how a student will fare in
one course looking at your progress in the other. For example, students who do
good in theory but bad in ear training you will generally see your ear training marks increase
overtime. And students who have good ears but weak theoretical skills generally
they experience better grades in theory over time. In other words, music theory and hearing
training goes hand in hand. The first and most important thing you can do to improve
your ear is to improve your theoretical skills. Why? When you understand what music is like
structured, their ears have a reason for what they are hearing.
Here is a good example. In any key, there are three or four certain chords that
they work well to reinforce that key, and are more likely to occur than any other chord.
Knowledge of the theory helps you to know and identify those chords. So when you are
listening to music and trying to identify the chords you are listening to, you can focus on
the most likely options. In addition to improving your theoretical skills, here are others
tips for you:
1) Try some of the ear training websites out there. Just do a search for
“online hearing training” and you will find many resources that can help.
2) Try to buy some ear training software. These days, most college hearing aids
Perception programs incorporate computerized training into their curriculum.
3) Try to write down the melodies you hear. Transcribing music into
This way, in reality, strong music reading skills are not required, and you will find
that the skills you possess will improve greatly and rapidly. Take a simple
song and play it on your CD player little by little, writing down the notes you want
listen. Even if you are unsure of the beats, write down as many pitches as you can. Yes
you’re stuck on a note, look it up on your guitar or piano and then write it down. This
it’s the best ear training exercise out there!
Practicing your instrument is crucial to becoming a better musician. But be sure
do not neglect your hearing!