CHECKPOINT #1 - EAR TRAINING & LISTENING

Ear Training Review

In this checkpoint, I'd like to review some of the ear training options we've touched on.

Recap of Previous Lessons

• Part One of the Course:

  • We looked at three sing and play routines:
    • Major Pentatonic
    • Minor Pentatonic
    • B3 Pentatonic

• Current Lesson:

  • We've also completed Sing and Play number four, which features three modes:
    • Major
    • Mixolydian
    • Dorian

It's important to keep reviewing these concepts to maintain the connection between what you sing, what you hear, and what you play.

Important Exercises

We've also sung:

• Dominant Seventh Arpeggios
• Broken Chord Shapes
• The Five Seventh Chords

Remember to sing the arpeggios of those as well. It's crucial to keep practicing these exercises; otherwise, you risk getting rusty.

Keeping It Fresh

One way to keep things fresh is to use the Cycle of Fifths.

• Whatever you're doing, whether it's a scale, arpeggio, or a lick, try taking it around the cycle:
  • Up in Fourths
  • Up in Fifths

Both directions are beneficial.

Use a Pulse

Make sure to do everything with a pulse.

• Use your Metronome: Play along with it.
• No matter what you're practicing, even if it's just a scale, do it in time.

I cannot stress the importance of this enough; if you develop the habit of playing things out of time, it will be reflected in your performance. It is vital to try and get into the groove as often as possible.

Listening Recommendations

Lastly, don't forget to keep listening!

I have prepared a list of tunes that mainly relate to the lessons we covered:

• Check the PDFs:
  • Ear Training PDF
  • Listening PDF

Suggested Listening

• Original versions of:

  • Perdido
  • Lavaman

• Remember we talked about Satin Doll, that's a great example of a tune with lots of two fives in it.

Three-Four Tunes

I've also compiled a long list of three-four tunes for you to explore:

• Someday My Prince Will Come
• Wolf's For Debbie (Bill Evans)
• Footprints (Wayne Shorter)
• My Favorite Things (John Coltrane)

These are all famous for being in 3/4 and are essential parts of the standards repertoire.

Happy practicing and listening!