Musical ear: what is it and how to develop it?

What is musical ear?

Having a musical ear refers to 3 distinct facts: singing in tune, recognizing a wrong note and knowing how to identify a musical note directly by listening to it, with or without a reference note. It thus brings together both the notions of absolute pitch and relative pitch.

Musical ear, absolute ear or relative ear: what are the differences?

The term musical pitch is used to combine both absolute pitch and relative pitch. We explain the difference between the two concepts.

Absolute pitch

To have perfect pitch or perfect pitch is to be able to recognize instantly a musical note without the need for a reference note. 

This ability is innate. You either have it or you don't have it from birth. 

A person with perfect pitch can associate a sound with a musical note and the appoint. Music is like a second language for her.

She can tell which note rings her house or even identify the notes of a song.

For example, when he was a child, Mozart was able to listen to a symphony once and remember it down to the note. He had memorized the notes of the piece as if he had memorized the words of a speech.

Relative ear

A person is said to have relative good pitch when they can identify a note using a previously given reference. For example, the there of a tuning fork or a previously played note.

Your relative pitch may improve throughout your life. It requires working on your musical memory long-term. 

It is notably developed among musicians thanks to their regular practice of their instrument. If you grew up in a musical environment, your relative ear was stimulated from a very young age and it was strengthened unconsciously.

How do you know if you have a musical ear? 

First of all, know that you can have a musical ear without knowing. 

Indeed, having perfect pitch means that you can name notes as soon as you hear a sound. But for this you must already having learned beforehand the different musical notes.

If you are curious and want to test your own ear, there are many tests to perform on the internet. Treat yourself!

Why develop your musical ear? 

Working on your relative ear allows you to better perceive And appreciate the music. It is especially useful for musicians, but not only that. Everyone can want to improve it.

To sing in tune

We don't teach you anything: if you have trouble identifying the notes of music, singing them correctly, it's going to be a little complicated!

But don't panic, in music, everything is learned ! By training your brain to recognize different tones, you will be able to reproduce them more accurately with your voice.

To read scores more easily

When you play a musical instrument, you must necessarily decipher a score before playing it for the first time. This exercise can be difficult depending on the person.

By developing your musical ear, you will practice hearing musical notes straight into your head without having to play them. 

Deciphering a score will be child's play!

To learn to play an instrument faster

Playing a musical instrument allows you to develop your musical ear and having a good musical ear allows you to play your instrument better. It's a virtuous circle. 

And if you want to try out another instrument, you will have more facilities in your learning. Your brain is already used to identifying the notes you hear. By changing instruments, you just have changed the support transcription. So you are not starting from scratch.

To better improvise

When you can hear the notes in your head, you will more easily be able to make improvisations. Thanks to your good ear, you will recognize the tone of the piece played almost effortlessly.

YOU graft to the melody will then be much simpler. You will be able to play the notes you imagine without being afraid of making mistakes.

To improve your dancing

In the field of dance, your musical ear is also of great help. It allows you toadapt your style and your movements to all songs and musical genres. 

You will dance a lot more in rhythm and you can more easily let go in freestyles.

How to have a musical ear?

Having a musical ear can be learned! With a little time and practice, anyone can do it. Here are 6 exercises to help you in your learning.

1. Listen to music regularly

This exercise is the simplest to start with. Whenever you can, listen to music and diversify the styles.

This way you get used to your brain to adapt to different musicalities without making too much effort.

2. Identify the instruments that make up music

To work on your auditory recognition, choose music that you like and try to dissect it instrument by instrument.

Identify an instrument and focus on it. Seek to insulate the air that he plays, the notes that form this melody. Then move on to another instrument, and so on.

To work on your auditory memory, you can also try to memorize the different tunes that you have identified for each instrument.

3. Sing

Following on from the previous exercise, you also have the possibility of reproduce with your voice what you hear. Whether it's one of your favorite music or a piece that you play on your instrument, sing them !

Aim for it accuracy as precise as possible with your voice: neither a little lower nor a little higher than the note you wish to reproduce.

If you need perspective to know if what you are doing is right or not, you have 2 options:

• Register and listen to your voice again

• Call a outside person to give you feedback 

Even if you're not a great singer, do the best you can. You will improve with practice. 

4. Spot the intervals

In music, the term interval corresponds to the distance which separates two notes. Each interval refers to a particular sound. 

Learn to identify them to locate the notes of a piece much more easily. 

To do this, the most used technique is the principle of association.

For each interval, you will associate music whose melody begins with this interval. 

The perfect fourth, interval between a do and one fa for example, corresponds to the first two notes of the theme of Star Wars.

It's up to you to find the music that appeals to you the most for each interval. Then practice recognizing them. 

5. Transcribe songs with your instrument

Once you get a little more comfortable with identifying melodies and intervals, you can get into practice directly to your instrument. 

Listen to a melody, remember the note and try to transcribe with your instrument. To make it simpler: break the piece down in several parts and work part by part, at your own pace. 

We warn you: this exercise can be long And difficult at first, but don't give up. With practice, you will find the notes more and more quickly and the transcription will be almost done naturally.

6. Master the art of improvisation

We have already told you above: having a good musical ear allows you to improvise better if necessary. However, improvisation can also be worked on.

You can do this exercise with your music instrument or with your voice. 

The instructions are simple: start by playing or singing a note and let go. Go ahead without thinking too much and let your ear guide you for choosing the next notes. 

Unconsciously, you will also identify the sounds and rhythms that you prefer. So you work on both your musical ear, your sense of rhythm and your memory.

To conclude 

You will have understood, having a musical ear is beneficial for your musical learning, whether you are a musician, singer or dancer.

• Having a musical ear is either having absolute pitch either have relative ear
• No matter your starting level, everyone can improve your musical ear
• The process takes time: practice regularly and in a way progressive, at your own pace
• In the exercises, find the associations and references that speak to you the most
• Singing is a great way to develop your relative pitch
• Practice an instrument is also an essential exercise to work your ear effectively. If you don't have an instrument, consider getting started. 

Work on your musical ear with DECIBEL®

Do you want to take action and improve your musical ear? Make it fun with a dance classes at the house of DECIBEL®.

On the program: during 50 minutes, alternate between dance workout And muscle strengthening.

Come let off steam to the rhythm of the music on our track plunged into darkness. Our coaches are there to motivate you in an atmosphere fun And dynamic.