Computer Aided Ear Training

My doctoral thesis has involved two related tasks. The first was to analyse Zoltán Kodály’s philosophy of music education and, on this basis, to develop a computer-assisted instruction method (CAI) for teaching music theory and solfège (ear-training). The second task was to experiment with the effectiveness of this method and compare it with traditional approaches to teaching. Many student find music theory and ear training difficult. During the 1990s, in connection with my licentiate thesis “Solfège in the Computer Classroom” (2000), I initiated this research project, and developed a CAI method for teaching music theory and solfège. I wanted to see just how useful Kodály’s approach could be in computer-aided teaching and learning. The results show that the Kodály approach can be successfully applied to the development of a computer-aided solfège programme and the Kodály system is applicable to new learning environments and teaching practices. In music education CAI is an area with great potential for development. It offers multiple learning options and can enhance students’ motivation to study music theory and ear-training; some of the learning outcomes were even better than with the traditional ways of learning. The results also show, however, that the teacher-pupil interaction is essential in a computer-aided learning programme.

As e-learning has evolved into a global change agent in higher education, it has become more diverse in its form and applications. Now that many institutions have implemented e-learning programs as part of their course offerings, it is essential for these institutions to fully grasp how best to facilitate continued improvements and accessibility in online education. The Handbook of Research on Building, Growing, and Sustaining Quality E-Learning Programs highlights several significant elements of e-learning, including program planning, quality standards, and online course development, as well as institutional, student, and faculty support. Serving as a critical resource for online and hybrid learning programs, this publication is designed for use by administrators, educators, instructional designers, and doctorate-level students in the field of education.

Originally I wrote the Solfeggio series for students of Sibelius Academy. Today we know that this learning and teaching programme is suitable for anybody interested in developing his or her musical capacity. To use Solfeggio 1 you will need the exercise book with answers and a CD. The exercise book you can use traditionally, you may complete the e melody, do musical analysis and so on. As to the CD you need to listen to the whole score. It was recorded by the “Larte” Choir and the Chamber Orchestra of the Länsi-Uudenmaan musiikkiopisto [the West Regional Music Institute] in Lohja. CD tracks you can find free at the LUMO web pages. Open at virtual.lumo.org/Solfeggio1. Login as a guest without username or password. Welcome to enjoyable trip to find the secrets of Renaissance, to complete a brilliant Bach Choral or recognize the musical functions of a Viennese classical masterpiece.

CAL 83 was organised by the Council for Educational Technology in conjunction with Pergamon Press. The selected proceedings include papers from four broad themes: fundamental aspects of CAL, case studies in CAL, hardware for CAL, and future developments, and also two keynote papers by Professors Bork and Alty respectively. The increasing interest in CAL applications in schools is evident from the number of related papers.

Audio Production and Critical Listening: Technical Ear Training, Second Edition develops your critical and expert listening skills, enabling you to listen to audio like an award-winning engineer. Featuring an accessible writing style, this new edition includes information on objective measurements of sound, technical descriptions of signal processing, and their relationships to subjective impressions of sound. It also includes information on hearing conservation, ear plugs, and listening levels, as well as bias in the listening process. The interactive web browser-based "ear training" software practice modules provide experience identifying various types of signal processes and manipulations. Working alongside the clear and detailed explanations in the book, this software completes the learning package that will help you train you ears to listen and really "hear" your recordings. This all-new edition has been updated to include: Audio and psychoacoustic theories to inform and expand your critical listening practice. Access to integrated software that promotes listening skills development through audio examples found in actual recording and production work, listening exercises, and tests. Cutting-edge interactive practice modules created to increase your experience. More examples of sound recordings analysis. New outline for progressing through the EQ ear training software module with listening exercises and tips.