Great night with Malcolm Capewell on the Baritone Sax playing at Taste Restaurant on The Gold Coast .
Today I have a member question:
“I can’t hear the difference between whole-steps and half-steps, major 3rds and minor 3rds etc.
I’ve been practicing with interval-trainer apps but without much success.
Do you have any tips?”
Here’s a new exercise you can use to improve your interval recognition:
Practice Tip:
Go to the piano and play a C.
Now try to sing up an interval – let’s say a half-step.
Sing the note, and then test your answer by playing a Db.
Then do it again – sing up a major 3rd from Db.
Sing the note, and then test your answer by playing an F.
Then do it again – sing down a whole-step from F.
Sing the note, and then test your answer by playing an Eb.
And keep doing this for 5-10 minutes.
The ‘Priority Intervals’:
Focus on the 6 ‘Priority Intervals’ that most melodies use:
Go through the exercise I mentioned above – take your time with each interval, and do it for 10 minutes a day.
In a week’s time, or two week’s time – you’ll be a lot more confident with your intervals.
Modified Technique for Jazz Musicians:
Something my Jazz piano teacher used to have me practice (Terry Seabrook in Brighton) – is to improvise a solo in your right hand, and to sing each note at the same time you play it.
It’s like Rock – Paper – Sissors, but for jazz piano / ear training.
You’ll see how accurate your ear really is, and you’ll ingrain the way it’s supposed to be when you solo – you’re supposed to hear each note BEFORE you play it – and not the other way around.
As found on Youtube