How can you develop a singer's relative pitch through ear training exercises?

1 What is solfège?

Solfège is a method of teaching music theory and notation that assigns a specific syllable to each note of a scale. For example, in the major scale, the syllables are do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, and ti. Solfège helps singers to memorize and recognize the intervals and relationships between notes, as well as to sing them accurately. Solfège can be used with fixed or movable do, meaning that the syllable do can either refer to a fixed note (usually C) or to the tonic (the first note) of any scale.

2 How to practice solfège with ear training exercises?

To practice solfège and improve your relative pitch, ear training exercises are a great way to challenge yourself. Singing along with a scale or melody using solfège syllables, and then repeating it without accompaniment, can help you internalize the sound of each note and interval. Listening to a musical phrase or chord progression and writing down the solfège syllables that correspond to the notes is a great way to develop your musical ear and notation skills. You can also play or sing a note and then sing the solfège syllable that is a certain interval above or below it. For example, if you play or sing C, you can sing the solfège syllable that is a major third above it (mi) or a perfect fifth below it (fa). This will help you become familiar with intervals and their names. Lastly, singing a melody or harmony part using solfège syllables while listening to another melody or harmony part is an effective way to practice pitch matching and harmonization skills.

3 How to use online tools and apps for ear training?

If you want to supplement your ear training practice with some online tools and apps, there are many options available for different levels and goals. Look for features like interactive exercises that give you instant feedback and track your progress, customizable settings to choose the difficulty, tempo, range, and mode of the exercises, audio examples and explanations that illustrate the concepts and techniques, and gamified elements that make the learning process fun and engaging. Some of the online tools and apps you can use for ear training with solfège are EarMaster, Teoria, and Solfa. EarMaster is a comprehensive software that covers all aspects of relative pitch with a solfège module that lets you practice with fixed or movable do. Teoria offers a variety of ear training and music theory exercises with tutorials and articles that explain the basics of music theory and solfège. Lastly, Solfa is an app to help you learn solfège with simple and intuitive exercises as well as a virtual keyboard to play and hear the notes and syllables.

4 How to measure your progress and results?

To measure your progress and results in developing your relative pitch through ear training exercises, you can record yourself singing or playing solfège exercises and compare it to the original or reference pitch. You can also take online tests or quizzes that assess your relative pitch skills, such as identifying, singing, or writing intervals, chords, scales, and melodies using solfège syllables. Additionally, challenge yourself to apply your relative pitch skills in real musical situations like singing along with a song, improvising a melody, or harmonizing with another singer. You can use your own songs, songs that you like, or songs that are recommended for ear training purposes.

5 How to overcome common challenges and difficulties?

Developing your relative pitch through ear training exercises can be challenging and difficult, especially for those new to solfège or music theory. To overcome these common challenges, start with the basics and build your skills gradually. Focus on one skill or concept at a time and practice it until you feel confident and comfortable with it. Additionally, be consistent and persistent in your practice; don't expect to see immediate results or improvements. Make ear training and solfège a part of your routine by practicing daily or as often as possible. Additionally, seek feedback and guidance from vocal coaches, music teachers, or fellow singers with more experience or knowledge in ear training and solfège. Finally, enjoy the journey and celebrate your achievements; don't be too hard on yourself or compare yourself to others. Appreciate the benefits and joys that they bring to your singing and music making, recognizing progress and rewarding yourself for it.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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