Learning by Ear: Introduction
This Learning By Ear module resource (PowerPoint presentation, PDF, films and website content) can be used and shared free of charge for non-commercial educational use only. Permission must be sought from Orchestras for All and EFDSS for any other use of this material.
Introduction
This module will take around three hours to complete.
Learning a piece of music by ear is an ancient practice, and at the core of how humans have always shared music.
To a musician who plays primarily through notation, this way of learning music can be an intimidating challenge; whilst also incredibly freeing for musicians who haven't learnt through written notation.
Aural learning is a great way to sharpen everyone's musicianship skills and can unite a group who have come from a wide range of musical backgrounds: essential in developing an inclusive ensemble community.
This module focuses on the development of a performance through aural learning techniques; however, you can also use the activities and approaches as 'mix-and-match' with notation or composition activities to make your rehearsal more inclusive and engaging for the full ensemble.
About the contributors
For the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS), aural learning is at the heart of ensemble performance. In this module, they will take you through an ensemble aural learning process, from hearing the initial tune, to constructing a full performance. The musicians are from the London Youth Folk Ensemble, led by folk music educator Emily Askew.
Emily is a versatile musician, performing music from medieval times to present day, early, contemporary and folk music. As well as performing professionally, Emily has a wealth of experience as a music teacher and workshop leader in a wide range of educational contexts. She is a principal study recorder teacher for Trinity College of Music and has worked for several London music services in both primary and secondary sectors, as well as music festivals and courses including Dartington Summer School, Aldeburgh Young Musicians and Globe Theatre Education.
London Youth Folk Ensemble was created by EFDSS in 2013 to give young passionate folk musicians the opportunity to play and perform folk music together regularly at Cecil Sharp House. It's non-auditioned, and welcomes all instruments and skill levels. www.efdss.org/learning/young-people/london-youth-folk-ensemble
What you will learn
In this module. you will learn how to:
- Make the aural learning process inclusive of musicians at any stage of musical learning
- Teach an accompaniment and melody without using notation
- Break melodic or rhythmic sections into segments to support everyone to develop their aural musicianship
- Develop musical colour and structure
- Involve your ensemble in the creative process of constructing a performance using aural learning techniques
What you will need:
- Speakers or headphones
- Webcam, video camera or phone camera
- Internet access
- A melody instrument
In order to get the most out of this module, we suggest you actively join in with the activities Emily sets the Ensemble. Pause the videos to give yourself time to work out notes and rhythms and try out ideas for yourself.
Media
