Dictation

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Roman Numerals/Figured Bass
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Dictation

This is the hardest part for me to help you with. All I can tell you is this: YOU'VE GOT TO LISTEN!!! Here are some listening hints.

  1. Absolutely know where scale degrees 1, 3, and 5 are. They are the most tangible crutches to find your way around.
  2. Listen for contour. Did the pattern go up or down? Was it by step or by leap?
  3. Know what the boundary notes are. Listen for the highest and lowest pitches. This will give you a frame in which to work in.
  4. Know your rhythms. Each meter type (compound and simple) has certain rhythms which are very common (especially in T109). Know these!
  5. Break the measures into smaller groups. Try listening to two measures at a time instead of the entire four.
  6. Don't put too many notes in one bar. Make sure you know how many beats, divisions, and subdivisions of the beat are in each measure so you don't put too many or too few.

That's about all I can do. The more you practice sightsinging, the better you will become at hearing melodies. Believe me, it does work.

 

T109: Basic Musicianship Home Page
This page was last modified November 02, 1998
mtoler@indiana.edu