Ear Training - Modes of the Melodic Minor Scale

Passive Ear Training: A Natural Approach to Hearing and Understanding Modes.

This innovative ear training method, which I call "passive ear training," mirrors the natural process of language acquisition. By emphasizing repetitive listening and imitation, it cultivates a deep, intuitive understanding of musical sounds.

The course includes over 150 mp3s and a pdf for all 12 keys and of the individual keys.

When using this course:

1. Focus on One Key Per Month: Over a 12-month period, immerse yourself in each of the 12 musical keys, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the major scale modes.
2. Listen and Sing: Begin by simply listening and singing along with the provided tracks. Repeat each track until you can confidently perform the entire exercise a cappella, in tune, without the backing track.
3. Proof of Learning: Your ability to sing the exercises accurately and in tune serves as concrete evidence of your auditory comprehension and internalization of the material.
4. Compounding Effect: As you progress through the series, you'll experience a cumulative improvement in your ear training skills and modal understanding.

Advanced Stages

Once you've completed any one of the exercises deepen your understanding by:

1. Intellectual Analysis: Begin to consciously analyze the modes and their relationships to the major scale.
2. Numerical Understanding: Develop an awareness of scale degrees and their functions within chords and melodies.
3. Instrumental Application: Apply these concepts to your instrument.
4. Harmonic Context: Learn to identify specific chord types (e.g., Bb-7b5) and note functions (e.g., b9, #11) within harmonic contexts.

Melodic Minor Scale Modes: A Melodic Approach

This ear-training course serves as an introduction to the modes of the melodic minor scale, using melody as the primary vehicle for understanding. By singing these carefully crafted melodic ideas that outline each mode, you'll develop a nuanced perception of their unique harmonic and melodic characteristics. By following this method diligently, you'll not only enhance your ear but also fundamentally transform your understanding of musical modes and their applications.

~Enjoy!