Vivace Ear Training & Theory Class FAQ
Q. What is Ear Training?
A. Ear training is a class that is particularly catered to enhance one's musical abilities, vocally, aurally and visually. Although this is a classroom setting, each student will actively participate and has an equal chance to sing and speak/tap rhythm in front of the class every week.
Q. And Theory?
A. In order to play a piece well with good interpretation, we must know everything that is on the music score first. Understanding terms/signs and musical concepts will help students think more logically, and it leads to a more effective practice and productive private lessons.
Q. What do students actually do in the class?
A. Singing and rhythm counting are the two main components of the class. Students will learn how to sing in solfege, which is the most common and global method to become familiar with musical notes at a young age. Students will also speak and tap a variety of rhythmic patterns that will help them pulse more accurately and steadily when playing their instrument. Other activities involve echo singing, echo tapping, identifying features and styles of music, dictation, 2-part voicing, sound recognition of instruments, etc.
Q. Why should students take the ear training class in addition to the private lesson?
A. Students will learn most of the things through their private teacher during private lessons. The ear training class reinforces the information that students receive in private lessons. By students being enrolled in ear training class and improving the ground work on note recognition and rhythm accuracy, private teachers can focus more on improving students' techniques, giving tips to sound better, and artistically inspiring students to get to the next level. Those who take both private lessons and ear training class progress at a much faster pace.
Q. Is there homework for this class?
A. Yes. It is essential for students to repeat and practice what we do in the class. However, the amount of the assignment is very moderate, and it will usually take less than 10 min a day, 4-5 days a week, to prepare for the next class. It will not Interfere the practice time of private lessons.
Q. Is this class ABRSM compatible?
A. Yes. Our ear training class is perfect for those who would like to improve on aural skills of ABRSM practical exams, outside private lessons. The teachers will use the aural skill books often to help students get familiar with the testing situation.