Ear Training: Volume I Scale Forms through Six Basic Tetrachords : Book Review

"Ear Training" by Elvo S. D'Amante offers a comprehensive guide for musicians and music enthusiasts seeking to improve their ability to recognize and reproduce musical sounds. The book focuses on developing a keen ear for pitch, rhythm, and harmony, providing detailed explanations, exercises, and practical tips to help readers master the art of ear training.

From the start, D'Amante emphasizes the importance of ear training in the realm of music. He highlights the significance of being able to discern different pitches and accurately replicate them. The author then breaks down each element of ear training, offering step-by-step instructions and exercises to gradually enhance the reader's skills.

What sets this book apart is D'Amante's approachable writing style and clear explanations. He takes complex musical concepts and breaks them down into manageable chunks, making it easier for readers to grasp and follow along. Moreover, the book is well-structured, with each chapter building upon the previous one, allowing readers to progress at their own pace.

Throughout the book, D'Amante provides numerous examples and exercises for readers to practice their ear training skills. These exercises are designed to gradually challenge the reader, helping them develop a strong foundation in ear training. Additionally, the author includes various tips and tricks to assist readers in overcoming common difficulties encountered during the learning process.

In conclusion, "Ear Training" by Elvo S. D'Amante is a valuable resource for musicians of all levels who wish to enhance their musical aptitude. With its comprehensive content, accessible writing style, and practical exercises, this book serves as an excellent guide to developing a keen ear for music. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this book will undoubtedly help you improve your ear training skills and deepen your musical understanding.

What are readers saying?

Ear Training by Elvo S. D'Amante is highly regarded among readers for its effectiveness in developing musical skills and enhancing ear training practice. The majority of reviewers have praised the book, highlighting its comprehensive and helpful nature for musicians of all levels.

Reviewers have consistently appreciated D'Amante's systematic and easy-to-follow approach to ear training. They have found the book's explanations to be clear and the practical exercises to be particularly beneficial in improving the ability to identify musical intervals, chords, and melodies by ear. The inclusion of audio examples has also aided readers in understanding and practicing the concepts.

The organization and structure of the book have been frequently commended, as they allow for smooth progression from one concept to the next. The gradual increase in difficulty has proven to be effective in building skills and confidence over time. Furthermore, the concise and straightforward explanations have made the book accessible to musicians with varying backgrounds and experience levels.

Ear Training has been recognized as a valuable tool for musicians pursuing different genres. Classical musicians appreciate the emphasis on melodic dictation and training of relative pitch, while jazz musicians highlight the focus on harmonic concepts. Some readers have even reported significant improvements in their listening skills and overall musical abilities after working through the exercises.

While there have been a few minor criticisms, such as a desire for more detailed explanations or additional examples in certain sections, these critiques have been relatively rare. Overall, the book has been regarded as a highly useful resource for the development of ear training skills.

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