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=en

As 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 06:48 AM.