"For me learning solfège especially in the sight singing and melodic dictations was something I hadn’t really done before and that was probably the biggest skill I got out of it. At our orientation we had an intro to ear training where we practiced sight singing and we went through all the exact same steps we went through in the course which made me feel prepared."
- Noah Kroeze, Berklee College of Music Class of '27
Melodic Exercises
Plenty of melodic exercises, with audio "answer keys". Singing melodic exercises helps with interval and rhythmic recognition, and also helps with sight-reading skills (perfect for nailing that Berklee audition!)
Conducting Videos
Step-by-step, easy to follow videos for conducting beginners! Set a solid foundation for your journey as a musician!
Dictation Exercises
Plenty of dictation exercises to simulate exam taking situations, with strategies and tips included. When you're done, scroll down for the answer key!
Exam Practice
Combine all your new skills together to tackle exam situations, such as Berklee's ESPAs.
Pitch and Solfege Drills
Pitch and solfege drills for you to conduct and sing to. Practicing audiation will help with dictation and exam situations.
For Instrumentalists too!
Exercises to help students apply their new ear training skills to their instruments. Use your new skills at auditions or gigs!
Curriculum
I feel like I’m prepared for my core classes at Berklee and I’m ready for the ESPAs!
- Lizzy Valdez, Berklee Class of '25
FAQs
1. Who is this ear training course written for?
This course is designed for advanced musicians, or musicians looking to prepare themselves for music school/music college.
It serves as an introduction for further work in ear training at Berklee, and aims to create a solid foundation for entering freshmen.
That being said, if you're an advanced musician, and you're looking to improve on their ear training skills, or if you're preparing for music college auditions, this may also be suitable for you. If you're unsure, please arrange a consult with me!
2. What does this course include?
We will first learn the fundamentals of conducting, and will get very comfortable with it. After that, we will learn to sing using move-able solfege and chant rhythms. All this will be done with conducting. We will then learn to sight-read rhythms and melodies. Lastly, to simulate an exam situation, we will learn effective strategies for dictating melodies and rhythms.
When you purchase one of my courses, you will gain life-long access to those materials (and any updates I publish). You'll also have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, or you'll get your money back.
Lastly, if you feel you need any more help, you are entitled to a 30 minute free 1:1 video conferencing sessions with me. You can make an appointment here. And of course you get unlimited email support. I'm happy to help in any way I can!
3. What background knowledge do I need? Are there any prerequisites?
You will need to be able to read western music notation (i.e read notes on a staff). You will also need to be able to pitch-match. That's when you are able to repeat music that you hear in-tune. If you're not sure about whether this course is suitable for you, please email me or schedule a free consult.
4. What are the ESPAs?
At Berklee, the ESPAs are the Entering Student Proficiency Assessments. Basically an online exam in order to place first semester students in the appropriate classes. You are exempted from any classes you test out of. When I took the ESPAs in 2011, I tested out of the first three ear training classes and landed in Ear Training 4. Along with countless other classes I tested out of, I managed to graduate in three years' time. I saved a lot of time and money doing this. Since then, I have helped other students achieve the same too!
5. I'd like to prepare for Harmony 1 or MAT!
For now, I'm only offering Ear Training as an online course. I'm currently writing the MAT curriculum. Meanwhile, I'm also available for 1:1 lessons. Email me if you'd like to talk!