|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Hi all, I'm finally working on my ear (something Mac has been telling me to do for many years now - and Mac, I've just started using the BB Ear Trainer, so no need to remind me again : ), because I have a little more free time in the summer. I've found a program that I really like using for the Android. It's called Perfect Scales, and it's free with a request for donation. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.exaybachay.scales&hl=enAs I walk my dog each morning, I've been playing back different scales and modes, and trying to sing along with them, in the same key, starting with "C" of course. It is actually quite challenging, and I've noticed getting beyond the major scale - the one everyone learns in grade school, is pretty darn tough if you haven't worked on it (or been born with an uncommon musical gift - and I'm sure some of you are out there). I'm trying to hear the differences between Natural Major (Ionian) and Natural Minor (Aelolian), and SING them both back accurately WHILE the scale is playing, and then without, and then play again checking my accuracy. Then, I look for a another scale or mode with only one different note, and again try to hear the difference in that note and sing back the scale. One thing is, I've never had any 'formal, schooled' music training, though I've taken many private guitar lessons throughout my life. The only instrument I've ever studied is guitar. However, there are HUGE gaps in my music background - weak reading, and of course, a weak ear (hence this latest exercise). So I wanted to: 1.) share my enthusiasm for this program and the convenience of using it during your times when the phone is more handy than an instrument - say a dog walk : ) for you animal lovers. 2.) To ask if anyone out there has developed their ear by actually trying to SING the different scales rather than just RECOGNIZE correct intervals - and what words do you use during your singing ? - I've used Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do --> placing and "E" on the end for flats and an "I" on the end for sharps (as shared by my friend's daughter who is in a formal program. 3.) Lastly - ask if any of you can share additional approaches in how you may have mastered this skill (if you indeed even find the SINGING part (in addition to the LISTENING identification part) important - as I think it is
Last edited by Joe V; 07/19/13 05:48 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
Reminds be of a bumper sticker:
"Caution, Driver is Singing"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,734
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,734 |
Last edited by pghboemike; 07/20/13 09:08 AM.
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I was taught to sing through my instrument and to voice everything I play when practicing.
What that means is that each new scale should not only be practiced on the instrument, but at the same session, don't play the instrument and sing the scale in any way you can, paying attention to intonation, proper intervals, in other words using what you just played on the instrument as the guide to sing the same.
This is a very efficient approach, as it not only trains the ears, it will really help you to internalize the scales, exercises, characteristic studies, etudes, whatever is in your practice regimen, while at the same time impressing the use of the diatonic relationships, dynamics (because dynamics happen rather naturally when singing), culminating in the ability to actually sing through your chosen instrument while performing.
The voice was first. Then came the various melodic instruments, and every one of them is an attempt to emulate the human voice.
The other factor is more rhythmic in nature, and that is the DANCE. Again the same things apply, endeavor to dance your way through those scale studies, which always involves keeping steady time no matter what you are actually attempting to play.
And don't try to do too much at once. It is far more important to practice one thing correctly and nail it than it is to try to practice a whole lot of things in an effort to "get there faster". The reality is that the proper learning of that one thing, always striving towards performance, will have an impact on the next thing, making that happen faster and this becomes cumulative as you progess.
Never let your practicing sound like some sort of rote repetition.
Instead, always strive to "make music" of whatever it is that you must practice, even the lowliest of linear scales. Practice Crescendo when going upscale, Decrescendo when going downscale. Then reverse it. Decrescendo going up, Crescendo going down. And don't just practice even eighths or the like, mix it up, dotted eights for a few runs, counting the whole time, then triplets, then every other note in ascension and descending, 1-3, 2-4, 3-5, etc. all the while trying to play these as musically sounding as you possibly can. If you can't, slow down until you can, but always keep the tempo count appropriate as you play, for that is the internal clock that makes music happen.
And never overpractice these kind of drills. Short sessions are going to get you there faster than long endurance runs will. Ten minutes, then go do something else, then come back to it and do another serious ten minutes. Like that. Because if its not fun, it is not going to sound musical.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,151
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,151 |
As always, excellent advice, Mac. Been working hard on the arps and I gotta tell you, it's really opened up my ears. Sheryl Bailey has a great lesson on the use of arps along with the dom bebop scale. It's a winner.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
BTW - The very first scale you should practice singing all the time, Joe, is the Chromatic Scale.
All Half Steps, up and down.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Yes Mac, after doing them for a while in a different order, I can see why you would say that : ) Also - found another GREAT program for memorizing the Interval Sounds - it's donation-based and free, for Android. It is called Interval Recognition - Ear Train: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.marchantpeter.intervalrecognition&hl=enVery simple, very effective. I've put it into "Listen Mode"at first and set all to begin with middle C - for each interval you tap, it will play the first few notes of the respective song to help you remember that interval, and also place the name of the song it is using on top.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Resurrecting a somewhat dead thread:
I'm 46 and just now trying to learn this - not singing, just the recognition and keyboard skills of the 'chordal scales'. Not because I thought I should do it on my own, it's the main part of the week 2 lesson in the Gary Burton Jazz Improvisation class that I'm in right now.
I have to say that the only scales that really feel natural to me are Ionian, Dorian and Aeolian. I can groove in those with the dance, the music, etc.
I can almost identify some of the others by ear, like Mixolydian. But the other modes are harder for me to hear the subtleties. In this class, we are learning 10 different chordal scales.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216 |
I remember in ear training class in college part of our test would be singing scales. These were one on one tests with the teacher.
The teacher would play a note and say, "sing a mixolydian scale starting from that note".
Then, "sing a harmonic minor scale starting from this note".
Etc.
This included Ionian, dorian, phyrgian, lydian, mixolyian, aeolian, locrian, harmonic minor and melodic minor.
Last edited by Frankp; 10/27/13 05:38 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Ear Master Pro is the best for this, its got a free trial too - check it out, I have been using it a couple of years and with wwork it really pays off. Its very customisable too
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,809
Posts796,457
Members39,961
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean