Did you ever wonder how people teach ear training? To a select few, this comes naturally. But the rest of us need a little help! That’s right, I’m no natural, But read on to learn the secret that helped me learn to read music without a piano nearby.
When I was in uni, we learned a series of interval crutches. For example, a perfect octave is “Some—-where” from “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. A perfect 4th is “a—maz” from ” “Amazing Grace”. Do you need to sing a perfect fifth? Sing “Twinkle—Twinkle” from “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”, and you’ve got it!
I was in the kitchen cleaning up this afternoon when I noticed our son was vacuuming on the low setting. So, I walked in and turned it on high because more power equals a faster job, right? No sooner had I switched the button over, than I started laughing. Our vacuum can sing the first 2 notes of Amazing Grace. That’s right. It’s a perfect 4th interval between low and high. He even does a little scoop as he’s warming up.
We have a hoover for a choir member in this Preacher’s family, and I think I will be singing “Amazing Grace” for a while. So, next time you see a perfect fourth in your music, think of Henry singing his favourite tune!
Ear Training Game
Why don’t you play this ear training game with your students or kids? Listen to sounds around your house. Which note does your tumble dryer sing? How about the electric mixer, your blender or a fan? If you have a piano, ask your little people to match the pitch of the sound to a note on the piano. Once you master this, try having a little fun adding some sounds together.
What did you use to make music in your home? Leave me a comment below so we can try it too!
That’s great! I clicked on this thinking Henry was one of your kids 🙂 I’ll have to search for intervals around the house when I get home tonight.
That’s so funny, Tracey! Let me know what you find!:)