Our Blog

Tips, guides, and deep dives on ear training and pitch for musicians at every level.

Perfect Pitch

Everything you need to know about achieving and mastering perfect pitch (or absolute pitch) and relative pitch.

Perfect Pitch Testing & Training

Understanding what perfect pitch tests are about, training methods, and exercises to improve your musical ear.

Music Theory

Music theory for beginners, from understanding the musical alphabet to reading music sheets.

Perfect pitch as rare gift, with an ear in a gift box surrounded by festive elements

Perfect Pitch Explained: Do You Have It?

07 Jan, 2025

Imagine being able to hear any sound from a car horn to a doorbell, and instantly recognise the exact pitches....

James A. Shields, MA
James A. Shields, MA
Composer, Orchestrator & Multi-Instrumentalist
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journey of ear training and developing musical skill

How Long Does It Take to Train Your Ear?

05 Jan, 2025

Ear training is not a destination. It's a journey... and a pretty long one. This journey leads to developing...

Alena Schneider
Alena Schneider
Percussionist, Creative Arts Therapist & Curriculum Developer
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Guitar fretboard with sheet music for chord progression ear training

What is Chord Progression Ear Training in Music?

26 Dec, 2024

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, chord progression ear training can dramatically improve your skills....

Alena Schneider
Alena Schneider
Percussionist, Creative Arts Therapist & Curriculum Developer
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perfect pitch and genetics

Is Perfect Pitch Genetic? Exploring the Science Behind It

20 Dec, 2024

While it was once believed that perfect pitch was entirely genetic, new research suggests that both learning and...

Marianna Kapsetaki, PhD
Marianna Kapsetaki, PhD
Neurosurgery Resident, Neuroscientist & Classical Pianist
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perfect pitch without knowing notes

Is It Possible to Test for Perfect Pitch Without Knowing Notes?

16 Dec, 2024

Yes, you can train for perfect pitch and take a perfect pitch test without knowing specific note names. Here are...

James A. Shields, MA
James A. Shields, MA
Composer, Orchestrator & Multi-Instrumentalist
Read more β†’
someone with perfect pitch standing in a crowd

How Rare is Perfect Pitch?

10 Dec, 2024

Perfect pitch is the rare ability to identify or produce a note without a reference. Here's how rare it is, what...

Marianna Kapsetaki, PhD
Marianna Kapsetaki, PhD
Neurosurgery Resident, Neuroscientist & Classical Pianist
Read more β†’
Child singing with the words β€œPerfect Pitch” and β€œAutism” displayed

How Perfect Pitch and Autism Are Connected

04 Dec, 2024

While perfect pitch is rare in the general population, research suggests that people with autism spectrum disorder...

Marianna Kapsetaki, PhD
Marianna Kapsetaki, PhD
Neurosurgery Resident, Neuroscientist & Classical Pianist
Read more β†’
a man playing violin with music notes coming out of his ear

What is Functional Ear Training in Music?

28 Nov, 2024

Functional ear training is an ear training method that teaches you to hear how notes relate within a key, focusing...

James A. Shields, MA
James A. Shields, MA
Composer, Orchestrator & Multi-Instrumentalist
Read more β†’
music coming out of a woman’s ear

Does Ear Training Actually Work? A Comprehensive Analysis

22 Nov, 2024

In music, a "good ear" isn't pure magic. If you're not born with it, it can be built with ear training. This...

James A. Shields, MA
James A. Shields, MA
Composer, Orchestrator & Multi-Instrumentalist
Read more β†’
a woman playing guitar with interval music notes floating around here

What Is Interval Ear Training? A Comprehensive Guide

18 Nov, 2024

Interval ear training is an ear training methods that helps you become a better musician by improving your ability...

Alena Schneider
Alena Schneider
Percussionist, Creative Arts Therapist & Curriculum Developer
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Colorful music notes coming out of a blonde woman's ears

What Is Relative Pitch and Why Is It So Important?

01 Nov, 2024

Ever wondered how musicians instantly play a melody by ear? The good news is that this skill, called relative pitch,...

Marianna Kapsetaki, PhD
Marianna Kapsetaki, PhD
Neurosurgery Resident, Neuroscientist & Classical Pianist
Read more β†’
A woman leaning in to listen with music notes coming out of her ear

5 Long-Term Benefits of Functional Ear Training

29 Oct, 2024

Functional ear training helps you recognize how notes work together in a song. It has many advantages compared to...

James A. Shields, MA
James A. Shields, MA
Composer, Orchestrator & Multi-Instrumentalist
Read more β†’