Five Free Music Websites to Improve Ear Training

A guide to some free music websites available on the Internet to help music students do well on music examinations and help all musicians develop their inner ear.

Practicing ear training exercises can sometimes be difficult without a teacher, family member or friend assisting. However, help is not always readily available. That makes preparing for a practical music examination challenging, especially for a young musician.

Ear training exercises recorded on a CD are somewhat helpful but can only be used for a limited time (until the student memorizes the order of the questions).

Thanks to the Internet, there are several interactive and dynamic ear training websites available for musicians to use during their music practice. The following list is just a sampling of what is available with a brief overview of each site.

Online Ear Training Websites

Musictheory.net

In Ricci Adams' Musictheory.net, Adams' has developed a comprehensive online theory and ear training aid. Under the "Trainers" tab, musicians can choose from three ear training exercises: Interval Ear Trainer, Chord Ear Trainer and Scale Ear Trainer. Users can customize which elements to be tested on, choose harmonic or melodic intervals and decide whether or not to include chord inversions. The Trainers keep track of your score and users can check the report to see which elements require more work. The website also includes flash tutorials under the "Lessons" section for a theory refresher and staff paper under the "Utilities" section.

Inside Music Lessons

Inside Music Lessons (formerly Practicespot.com) contains a wealth of ideas and tools for music teachers and students to use. Under the "Free Tools" section, students can use the Rhythm Gym to "clap-back" exercises and download cheat sheets to help with identifying intervals and chords.

eMusicTheory.com

Practice rhythmic dictation, identify scales and chords by ear and practice clap-back exercises online under the "Free Theory Drills" section or download the eMusicTheory software program. The site contains a student portal, a teacher portal and discussion forum. There are also pages to help with fingering (for string and keyboard instruments).

Good-Ear.com

The Good Ear website contains a wide variety of ear training drills, ranging from Beginner to Advanced exercises. Music students and professionals alike can practice identifying intervals, chords, cadences, scales, jazz chords and perfect pitch. The site also contains a drill to practice note location or geography.

iwasdoingallright.com

I Was Doing all Right is a jazz blog that contains an online ear training program. Under the "Search" window, click on the "Ear Trainer v2.0" link to use the free online ear training tool. Users can choose from practicing intervals, chords, melody play-back and rhythms. What is advantageous about this site is that listeners can specify which note direction, inversions and specify melody length. For a student preparing for an upcoming examination, this is the most comprehensive ear training tool on the list.

Online Ear Training Resources – Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Music students, music teachers and professional musicians can benefit from practicing ear training on a regular basis. Each of these websites listed contain a variety of drills and tools to aid musicians develop a "good ear" and help students improve their ear training mark on an exam. There are other sites out there, like musicalhearing.com and ossmann.com's Big Ears program. Explore the many sites available and choose what sites work best for one's ear training and music practice needs.

For more information on practicing music, read Five Free Music Websites to Improve Note Reading, How Much Practice is Required to Learn Piano at Different Levels? and Motivating Students to Practice.

Originally published December 22, 2009 on Suite101.com. Updated on March 22, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

What is an Audition-Interview?

Before signing up for music lessons, learn what's involved when a music teacher meets with a prospective student and parent(s) for the first time.

The audition-interview can be a vital part of the selection process when finding a music teacher. It gives the prospective student, the parent (or guardian) and the music teacher the opportunity to gather information needed to make a final decision on where to study. The meeting occurs after first contact (phone/email) between a private music teacher and a prospective student’s family.

Purpose of an Audition-Interview

During the audition-interview, the prospective student and parent can learn more about a music educator’s teaching philosophies and policies. The music teacher uses this meeting to assess the student, the family and determine compatibility.

Determining compatibility is a critical part of the meeting. It’s a case of determining whether the student’s communication and learning style is well-matched to the teacher’s communication and teaching style, determining how well the parents’ vision meshes with the teacher’s and how well all parties “click” with each other.

How to Prepare for an Audition-Interview

Each person involved in the audition-interview has to prepare in advance. A music teacher should have printed copies of his or her studio policies, studio calendar, assessment tools and registration form ready.

A beginner student should think about why he or she is interested in music lessons and why he or she is interested in a specific instrument. A transfer student should practice a couple of pieces learned with his or her previous teacher and review some technical exercises.

Parents of transfer students can prepare for the audition-interview by bringing a copy of their child’s previous exam transcript(s), music books used previously and assignment book. All parents should bring a list of questions and their cheque book.

What Happens at an Audition-Interview?

The audition-interview can take between 30 – 60 minutes. The meeting can be broken down into three sections: Teacher Interview, Assessment and Policies, Philosophies and Final Questions.

During the Teacher Interview, the teacher can direct some questions to the prospective student and the rest to the parent/guardian. Some questions that a music teacher can ask a potential student are:

1. Why do you want to take music lessons?

2. What do you like about music?

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests?

4. Do you like taking music lessons? (for transfer students)

5. Are you willing to practice regularly? How much time are you willing to commit?

6. What would you like to learn?

The following are sample questions that can be directed to the student’s parent or guardian:

1. What is the setup, practice environment and support structure to help the student organize his or her practice?

2. What extra-curricular activities does the student have?

3. What amount of time do you feel is reasonable for daily practice?

4. Is the student or the family involved in other musical activities?

5. Why did you discontinue lessons with your previous teacher?

During the Assessment, the teacher may ask a potential student to perform one or two pieces and technical exercises, followed by aural, reading, theory and rhythm questions. This helps the teacher assess technique, musicality and posture.

The teacher may ask the parent to wait in another room during the assessment portion. This gives the music teacher and student an opportunity to see how well they “click” without outside influences or interruptions.

During Policies, Philosophies and Final Questions, the music teacher outlines his or her studio policies with regards to attendance, expectations, rescheduling lessons, termination of lessons and tuition fees. He or she may also present the Studio Calendar at this time.

The music teacher also shares his or her teaching philosophies and approaches with the prospective student and parent(s). He or she may do a walk-through of what happens during a regular lesson.

Finally, the parent and prospective student have an opportunity to ask questions that haven't been answered yet. They can also voice concerns that they would like the music teacher to know.

After the Audition-Interview

All parties should take some time to reflect and review the information they have been given. During this “cooling off” period, one may conclude that the student’s or the family’s goals do not mesh well with the teacher’s methods and teaching style.

Arrangements should be made to follow up after the audition-interview. The final stage is to either complete the registration process with the potential student or have the teacher recommend several other qualified teachers in the area that may better serve the needs of the student and the family.

Taking the time to meet for an audition-interview is a vital part of the process when finding a music teacher. Music lessons are a long-term commitment and investment. Registering with a music teacher is the beginning of what can be a long and fruitful relationship. The audition-interview sets the tone for the relationship.

References:

Color in my Piano: Printables updated: Student Info form, and Student Interview forms (accessed August 4, 2010).

Torney, Helen, “The Professional Studio: Interviewing Prospective Students”, Music Matters, January/February 2002, p. 2 – 4.

Originally published on Suite101.com on August 6, 2010. Updated March 22, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Springtime Sightreading

Sight-reading isn't my strong suit. As a piano accompanist and choir member, sight-reading is a survival skill.

I've decided to work through the keyboard binders for my church choir as my piano sight-reading practice. Sometimes, I'll start by running through the harmonies. Other times, I set the metronome on and barrel right through the music. And then other times, I just pick a comfortable tempo to read at.

One thing I should do more is sight-sing. When I sing or conduct, I do try to sight-sing. Let's just say that it's a work in progress.

I still have my sight-singing book from university: Boosey and Hawkes 333 Elementary Exercises In Sight Singing - Kodaly Choral Method (Standard). It's been helpful - when I remember to use it.

look inside

333 Elementary Exercises in Sight Singing Composed by Zoltan Kodaly (1882-1967). Arranged by Percy Young. BH Kodaly. The Kodaly Choral Method. Edited with annotations by Dr. Percy Young. 20th Century, Instructional and Sight Reading. Instructional book (softcover). 36 pages. Boosey & Hawkes #M051305209. Published by Boosey & Hawkes (HL.48002815).

Popular Hand Exercises Books for Piano

Regardless of your playing level, or whether you are preparing for a piano exam, finger exercises are one of the keys to achieving technical fluency. These finger strengthening exercises give you the chops you need to tackle your pieces (AKA "repertoire").

This is a list of 15 of the most popular books of finger exercises for piano. If you click on the link, you'll go to a page to order it (or get more information on it):

1. The Complete Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios and Cadences: Includes All the Major, Minor (Natural, Harmonic, Melodic) & Chromatic Scales - Plus Additional Instructions on Music Fundamentals

2. Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist in Sixty Exercises, Complete (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol. 925)

3. Piano Essentials: Scales, Chords, Arpeggios, and Cadences for the Contemporary Pianist (Book & CD)

4. The First Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios & Cadences (Alfred's Basic Piano Library)

5. The Piano Handbook: A Complete Guide for Mastering Piano

6. Master School of Virtuoso Piano Playing: Volume I Finger Exercises (Dover Music for Piano)

7. Oscar Peterson - Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes & Pieces for PianoMaster School of Virtuoso Piano Playing: Volume I Finger Exercises (Dover Music for Piano)

8. Hanon for the Developing Pianist - Book/CD Pack: Hal Leonard Student Piano Library - Book/CD (Technique Classics)

9. The School of Velocity, Op. 299 (Complete): For The Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics Vol. 161)

10. Burgmuller, Czerny & Hanon: 32 Piano Studies for Technique and Musicality: 1

11. Junior Hanon (Alfred Masterwork Edition)

12. Twenty-Five Easy and Progressive Studies for the Piano, Op. 100: Piano Solo

13. Schmitt Op. 16: Preparatory Exercises For the Piano, with Appendix (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol. 434)

14. Czerny: Art of Finger Dexterity for the Piano, Op. 740 (Complete) (Schirmer's Library Of Musical Classics, Vol. 154)

15. Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist (Complete) (Alfred Masterwork Edition)

Your eyes aren't deceiving you. There are several different editions of Hanon's exercises - all of them are pretty popular.

Skills and Attributes Needed to be a Private Music Teacher

A look at the essential skills, training, salary information and working conditions of music instructors who teach from their private home studios.

Private music teachers are trained individuals who have established their music studio as a home-based business. They provide music instruction to children and adults of all ages and levels.

Music instructors teach students proper technique, musicianship, practice strategies, music theory and appreciation. Music lessons are taught either one-on-one or in group classes.

Key Skills Needed to be a Private Music Teacher

Music teachers need strong written and spoken communication skills. They give music lessons to a wide range of students, from preschool children to retirees. Having the versatility to communicate with all of these age levels is not just an asset, but a necessity.

Listening skills are vital. Music instructors need to listen carefully to musical elements such as notes, rhythm, articulation, pedaling, shaping, tempo and flow. Based on their assessment, they help their students correct inconsistencies and learning errors.

Music teachers should possess good perception and observation skills. They need to detect and correct improper technique and posture which, if left unchecked, could lead to musician injuries. Effective music teachers are sensitive to their student's body language. They also need to be attuned to their students' shifts in mood and energy level, then make adjustments to better meet the needs of their students.

Independent music teachers also require strong administrative, planning and organizational skills. Aptitude, learning preferences, motivations, needs, interests and personalities are unique to each student. Therefore, lesson plans need to be personalized for each student.

Education and Training Requirements for a Private Music Teacher

Education and training requirements vary, depending on the subjects taught and instrument. All music teachers have taken years of music lessons. Many perform as soloists or collaborative musicians. Some music teachers are also adjudicators, examiners, composers, music publishers or clinicians.

Music teachers who teach classical music have achieved a high level of proficiency in their instrument, many holding a music diploma or degree. Teachers who fall into this category include: piano teachers, voice teachers, music theory teachers, strings teachers, woodwinds teachers, brass teachers and percussion teachers.

On the other hand, there are some teachers with extensive performing experience and practical music theory knowledge but they lack certification from a music conservatory or university. Coaches and teachers active in the popular music industry are in this category.

Teachers who offer group lessons such as Kindermusik, Music for Young Children, Kodály, Suzuki or Yamaha go through additional program-specific training.

Job Responsibilities of a Private Music Teacher

Private music teachers are self-employed. They are responsible for all facets of running their own business, including:

• Developing lesson plans, teaching materials and time-lines tailored for each student

• Preparing students for music examinations, festivals and competitions

• Lesson registration and scheduling

• Set lesson tuition, develop and enforce studio policies

• Communicating with parents with regards to performance opportunities, student progress, issues and registration deadlines and requirements for examinations, festivals and competitions

• Sales and marketing

• Administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, filing, research and development, cleaning, troubleshooting technology issues

• Keeping up with their own professional development

• Staying current on trends on music pedagogy and studio technology and software available

• Ensuring the safety and welfare of their students while under their care

Independent music instructors can keep up with their professional development through continuing education and being involved with a professional music teaching association such as the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations (CFMTA).

Salary Information and Working Conditions for Private Music Teachers

Unfortunately, the figures are not well documented. One site, Indeed.com lists the average salary for an "instrumental music tutor" as $52,000. Whether that  reflects the salary for someone who teaches at the post-secondary level is unclear.

It is safe to say that private music teachers earn more than music teachers who teach in a music store/school. Private music teachers establish their fees based on their education, teaching experience, performing experience and track record.

The market can be somewhat volatile. Combined with the limitations to teaching, there seems to be a significant number of instructors who teach music on a part-time basis.

Private music teachers provide instruction in their home studio. Some have their office in a separate room from their teaching studio, while others teach and do office work in the same space.

Home studios contain a professional library or audio/visual recordings, music scores and textbooks, at least one instrument, a metronome, good lighting, good seating, voice mail or an answering machine to take calls during lessons, music stands, a washroom and a waiting area. Some studios have a computer, rhythm machine or recording equipment. Many piano teachers for instance, own more than one piano. The second instrument is used for ensemble playing or teacher demonstrations.

Although some private music teachers offer lessons during the day, most teach in the afternoon and evening, when their students have come home from school or work. Some music instructors offer lessons on the weekends.

Private music teachers generally teach throughout the school year, although some offer summer lessons or workshops. January to June are especially hectic as that is when students polish and memorize their pieces to the high degree of fluency required to perform at recitals, examinations and music festivals.

Private music teachers need a diverse skill-set to succeed. In addition to possessing a high degree of knowledge and proficiency in their instrument, they must adapt and change their teaching approach to match the needs of each student. They must be highly organized as they balance the needs of their students, the administrative needs of their business, and their own professional development. The pace can be intense but the rewards of sharing their love for music and hearing each student develop their own musical voice are priceless.

Originally published on Suite101 on June 11, 2010. Information updated March 10, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.