Ear Training News Vol. 4

Here are a few things you might have missed in the world of aural skills development and ear training lately. Let us know if you have any to add!

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Halloween Sound Design Contest

It’s October, and you know what that means… Halloween!

The Designing Sound website put us onto this exciting and fun contest from Blastwave FX. They supply you with a collection of spooky sound effect samples, and you create your ultimate scary soundtrack. The scariest wins!

Prizes include a copy of SONOPEDIA 2.0 from Blastwave FX, an autographed set of limited edition Hollywood-is-Dead poster prints from Matt Busch, an autographed copy of the Halloween 4 Soundtrack by Alan Howarth and an autographed copy of “The Sound Effects Bible” by Ric Viers.

Read the full contest information at BlastwaveFX.com. And then what are you waiting for?

If you need a little help getting spooky, keep an eye on EasyEarTraining.com over the next few weeks……

Theta Music Marks 1 Year With a Major Update

About a year ago we covered the launch of Theta Music Trainer, a new suite of online games designed to make ear training fun. We couldn’t agree more with the spirit and goals of Theta Music’s games, so we’re delighted to congratulate them on a successful first year – and the major update they’ve just released. Check out the video below for a tour of the training on offer and the new additions to the Theta Music programme:

Expert learning advice from the Dallas School of Music

Here’s a fantastic post from the team over at Discover, Learn, Play, sharing some of their best advice on instrument learning. A big focus on the fun and enjoyment and music which must never be forgotten in favour of dull lifeless exercises. They draw an interesting distinction between learning and practising, and provide lots of tips for finding practice time which will help adults and children alike.

So use those short, simple songs that beginners play (or sing), to develop that ability by making everything you do become a tool of expression. Even warm-up exercises can be done with a beautiful sound, even tempo, and dynamic shaping to help sharpen those skills. You’ll quickly go from the realm of musical “babbling” into the world of musical eloquence.

Black keys improvisation

Joy from the “Color In My Piano” blog just posted this great video of an improvisation session she did with one of her young piano students. By giving the instruction that the student could play any black keys, she freed her up to express herself, and improvise using her innate aural skills and musical instinct. Watch the video below and read Joy’s full post for more information and links to background reading.

Win an app with the Discover, Learn, Play blog

Also from the DSM, the Discover, Learn, Play blog is currently running a contest where you can win one of our iOS ear training apps! Find out the details here:

Discover, Learn, Play app contest

And don’t forget to check out their innovative Kore Series for instrument learning online!

Any more?

If you’ve come across some new ear training resources you can leave a comment below to share them other readers. Or if you have tips, advice, or opinions on this week’s news, give a shout!

Have your say in the comments below!