Music and language ear training are somewhat related – a lot of the same areas of the brain are used for both, and learning music can improve your ability with languages.
There are many parallels to draw between learning music and learning a language.
For example:
- The vocabulary of a language can be compared to the building blocks of music like intervals and chords.
- Improving your expression and intonation is similar to improving your accent in a foreign language.
- Learning more about music theory and doing ear training is like studying your grammar, vocabulary, and reading newspapers and watching TV in a foreign language.
- And putting those skills to real musical use is like spending more time practising conversation with a native speaker.
Many people find that exercising their ear with a foreign language helps them with active listening and hearing more detail.
And in both cases: full 24/7 immersion is the best approach!
Insights on treating music as a language, from renowned bassist Victor Wooten
Similar questions answered on this page:
- What’s the connection between language learning and ear training?
- How can I train my ear for languages?
- Does learning a foreign language help your ear for music?
- How does music ear training help language skills?
