Chapter 1: Introduction to Ear Training and the Circle of Fifths
* Defines ear training and its importance for musicians.
* Introduces the Circle of Fifths, a fundamental tool for understanding musical relationships.
* Provides exercises using the Circle of Fifths to identify intervals and chords.
Example: Identify the interval between the notes C and G. Using the Circle of Fifths, you can determine that G is the fifth interval above C.
Chapter 2: Intervals and Harmonic Functions
* Classifies and identifies musical intervals (e.g., major, minor, perfect).
* Discusses the harmonic functions of intervals (e.g., tonic, dominant, subdominant).
* Explores how intervals form the basis of melodies and harmonies.
Example: Determine the harmonic function of the interval G below C. Using the Circle of Fifths, you can identify the interval as a perfect fifth, which typically serves as the dominant function in tonal music.
Chapter 3: Triads and Seventh Chords
* Introduces triads (chords with three notes) and seventh chords (chords with four notes).
* Classifies chords based on their intervals and harmonic functions.
* Develops skills in identifying and constructing chords by ear.
Example: Identify the chord formed by the notes C, E, and G. By analyzing the intervals between the notes, you can determine that this is a C major triad.
Chapter 4: Scales and Melodic Contour
* Surveys major, minor, and other common scales.
* Introduces concepts of melodic contour and phrase structure.
* Provides exercises for transcribing melodies and identifying scale degrees by ear.
Example: Transcribe the melody "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" into standard notation. By listening for the scale degrees and melodic contour, you can accurately record the notes on the staff.
Chapter 5: Rhythm and Meter
* Explores rhythm and meter, including time signatures, note values, and syncopation.
* Develops skills in recognizing and reproducing rhythmic patterns.
* Emphasizes the importance of internalizing rhythmic subdivisions.
Example: Clap out the rhythm of the song "Happy Birthday" in 4/4 time. By counting the beats and subdivisions, you can accurately clap the rhythmic pattern.
Chapter 6: Melodic Dictation
* Introduces melodic dictation, the process of transcribing melodies into notation from memory.
* Provides strategies for recognizing melodic patterns and intervals.
* Develops skills in writing down melodies that are heard.
Example: Dictate the melody of the song "Amazing Grace." By listening for the notes, intervals, and melodic contour, you can accurately transcribe the melody into notation.
Chapter 7: Harmonic Dictation and Analysis
* Covers harmonic dictation, the process of transcribing chords into notation from memory.
* Introduces concepts of chord progressions and harmonic cadences.
* Develops skills in identifying chords and analyzing their harmonic functions.
Example: Dictate the chords in the song "Pachelbel's Canon." By listening for the chord changes and harmonic relationships, you can accurately transcribe the chord progression into notation.
