Aural tests

[kyliec]

Hi all,

I am preparing for my Australian Music Examination Board grade 8 exam, after a long break (15 yrs!) since doing my last exam.
I am very rusty with the aural training, and wanted some advice.
I am having trouble distinguishing whether a chord is in root/1st inversion/2nd inversion. Any tips here to help?
thanks, kylie

[mknueven]

I would try making a tape for myself with the chords in it.
I think chord inversions are a little more difficult to pick up.

Also you might record some music that you personally like that has inversions
and then change the chords around. ( I would not use something I'm still getting used to)
If it's your favorite song - you may be able to tell a difference and not realize what it is at first. Tape different parts different ways - saying what you're doing.
Hope this helps..

[kyliec]

Hi thanks for that I will try your suggestions.
Kylie

[ronaldh]

Hi Kylie,

I am in the same boat as you! I am getting ready for my 8th grade exams at the end of this year along with my VCE Music Performance Units 2 exam.

The best tip I have received for identifying the chords, whether they are in root, first inversion or second inversion, is to listen for the top note (easier to listen for) and then sing down, like an arpeggio until you hear it 'resolve' to the root note. It sounds weird, but I used to have so much trouble with this until my VCE Music teacher taught me this methodl. Obviously, as you get better, you will eliminate any actual singing and just do it in your head. When you are singing down, you should be able to count the notes you need to go until it resolves to the root. Play various chords on the piano in your vocal range and try...start off knowing what the inversion is so you understand this concept. Don't forget you also have to identify the diminished root chord as well in the exams.

By the way, what pieces are you doing?

[mknueven]

ronald,
that sounds like a great way of doing it -
If I were going to make a tape - I'd sing down on it too

As many ways as we can memorize things the better.

I can memorize music I sing easily - so that makes a lot of sense.

[ronaldh]

Thanks nknueven..the only thing I have trouble with is...is that I'm a horrible singer! I just find it hard to sing right and feel comfortable doing it. And also, I don't know where to start.

Kylie, I forgot to add that the new AMEB MusicCraft books would be of assistance. Its the new standard out by them that is going to replace the Theory of Music stuff. It is really good, because it combines Aurals with Theory. You should be able to get them at most print music stores, definitely Allans.