Now that we know the names of the notes on the piano, it's a good time to begin working on a little ear training.
It is so important to develop your ear.
Developing the ear is an area that is very much overlooked. There is a lot of creativity embedded in every individual, but one needs to develop the skill set to get it out of us.
Most musicians are also aware that the sheet music they purchase and the chords they find online for most popular songs are not really the correct chords used in the production. They are what is fondly known as the easy chords, designed for everybody to be able to play. Nothing wrong with that.
Using those chords, we find that the sound on the recording is different, the emotion is different, but it sounds, okay. Okay is not acceptable in a professional environment. Professionals know the difference and they demand a level of competency. You deserve that level of competency for your own knowledge and enjoyment. That knowledge will completely raise your level of confidence as a songwriter, which then creates a creative drive inside of you. It's exactly what you always wanted and you can have it!
LET’S BEGIN EAR TRAINING
The first listening example is single notes that can be played on any instrument. Listen to the pitch, then find the note on your instrument. Write down the name of the pitch you believe it to be on a piece of paper, for example, simply write: C♯/D♭, A, A♯/B♭, F, C, etc.. The answers are in the PDF below. Remember if it is a black key, it has 2 names.
*We understand that some of you may not know the note names on your instruments. That's ok. Still, take the time to listen and find the note. This will still be very beneficial to you.
It’s a simple exercise in theory, but it takes concentration for those of us who are new to it. Take your time, and do the exercise as much as you need to. REMEMBER, it’s not about finishing quickly, it’s about ear development.