HOW TO IMPROVE INTONATION AND EAR TRAINING EXERCISES

A lot of people ask if it's really possible to train the ears to be able to play music or to sing. There are too many music schools and many vocal coaches who believe that the ear can't be trained, that listening is an ability, a skill that we either have or don't have. Some others say it is actually possible but only if started at an early age.

When I first started to teach, I made a commitment to believe that nothing is impossible and I had the wonderful opportunity to work with students who loved music with all of their hearts, but couldn't hit a note right. That's when I started to develop a special program and an ear training course which now have helped me to prove that it really doesn't matter how old you are or if you have studied music before or not; it is absolutely possible to train the ears. I know for a fact that all it takes is practice, study, time, patience and determination. As I always say you'll need a 10% of talent, and a 90% of effort and passion; and music is nothing without passion.

Today I'd like to share a few simple exercises that can help you to improve your intonation and to start training your ears. All you need is a piano or a guitar, if you don't have one, don't worry there are too many piano apps that you can download on your phone that will do the trick.

The pitch is basically where the note is on the scale. Most of the singers create the pitch mentally in a fraction of seconds before singing it. It could be consciously or unconsciously.

The following exercises are gonna help you to build up listening skills and to refine your hearing so you can hear more and more details:

- Start by playing on the piano any pitch that is comfortable for you in your vocal range (not too high, not too low). Before singing the note, listen carefully and create the sound mentally. Play the same pitch one more time and sing it. Record yourself (you could use your phone) and compare the sounds. Repeat the exercise at least 10 times playing different notes. If you do this every day you'll notice that you'll be able to hit the pitch faster with more precision and accuracy.

- When we speak we are also intonating different pitches. Say any word, like “Hey” or “hello” like you always do and try to find the pitch on the piano. Listen carefully and be patient. Whenever you find the note, for example a C, play the next pitch: C# and try to sing the note. Repeat the exercise at least 10 times saying words in different pitches. This exercise will help you to refine your listening skills and to start creating conscious of different pitches.

- Have you noticed that a lot of things have pitches? Not only music. The horn of a car, the vacuum cleaner, your cell phone, etc. Listen carefully and try to sing along. It doesn't matter where you are, you can do this anywhere.

- Play two different notes on the piano at the same time, for example C and E. Listen carefully and try to sing the top note. Then, play again the same notes and try to sing the bottom note. It doesn't really matter which notes are you playing, but the closest you have them, the easier it will be. Record yourself and compare the sounds. Repeat this exercise at least ten times.

These exercises will help you to open up your ears, to focus and to concentrate where the notes are going. The more you practice these exercises the more effective they will be. I recommend you to record yourself and to test yourself. Be critical of yourself.

All you need to do is practice every day and be patient. You will develop the ability over time. It's a fact.

So practice, practice and practice some more!

Have a lovely day!

See you soon!

Yourvocalcoach: Erika Karoline

visit our website: www.ejyourvocalcoach.com