Regardless of the instrument you play, ear training holds tremendous value in enhancing your musical abilities. Developing the skill to recognize intervals can significantly elevate your musicianship. However, achieving mastery in this area can be quite a challenge! In this article, we’ll guide you through the most effective approaches to kick off your interval training.
The Song Method
In the realm of music, an interval signifies the distance between two notes. One of the most effective techniques for learning to identify these intervals is by linking each one to a well-known melody that features that specific interval. We will share several examples of songs associated with each interval, but feel free to replace them with tunes you are more familiar with! Intervals are classified as ascending when moving from a lower note to a higher note, and descending when going from a higher note to a lower note.
To practice recognizing intervals, enlist a friend to assist you or consider using an ear training app. Explore this article to discover some top choices!
Remember to engage in interval training at a measured pace in short sessions. The ear can tire quickly, so consistency in practice is crucial!
Unison
Unison is often regarded as everyone’s favorite interval! It signifies the same note played twice. Numerous melodies incorporate this interval, but the simplest way to identify it is by recognizing the repetition of the same pitch.
Minor Second
Ascending
Jaws Theme (by John Williams)
White Christmas (by Bing Crosby)
Isn’t She Lovely (by Stevie Wonder)
Descending
Für Elise (by Ludwig van Beethoven)
Joy to the World (Traditional)
Jurassic Park Theme (by John Williams)
Major Second
Ascending
Happy Birthday (Traditional)
Silent Night (Traditional)
Frère Jacques (Traditional)
Descending
Mary Had a Little Lamb (Traditional)
Three Blind Mice (Traditional)
Minor Third
Ascending
O Canada (Canadian National Anthem)
Iron Man (by Black Sabbath)
Greensleeves (Traditional)
Descending
Hey Jude (by The Beatles)
Frosty the Snowman (by Gene Autry)
The Star-Spangled Banner (U.S. National Anthem)
Major Third
Ascending
When the Saints Go Marching In (Traditional)
Kumbaya (Traditional)
Michael Row the Boat Ashore (Traditional)
Descending
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (Traditional)
Summertime (by Ella Fitzgerald)
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (first movement)
Perfect Fourth
Ascending
Here Comes the Bride (by Richard Wagner)
Amazing Grace (Traditional)
Super Mario Theme (by Koji Kondo)
Descending
Under Pressure (by Queen & David Bowie)
I’ve Been Working on the Railroad (Traditional)
O Come All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
Tritone
Ascending
The Simpsons Theme (by Danny Elfman)
Maria from West Side Story (by Leonard Bernstein)
Black Sabbath (by Black Sabbath)
Descending
YYZ (by Rush)
Blue Seven (by Sonny Rollins)
The Munsters Theme (by Jack Marshall)
Perfect Fifth
Ascending
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (Traditional)
Star Wars Theme (by John Williams)
Can’t Help Falling in Love (by Elvis Presley)
Descending
Flintstones Theme (by Hoyt Curtin)
Don’t You (Forget About Me) (by Simple Minds)
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) (by Duke Ellington)
Minor Sixth
Ascending
The Entertainer (by Scott Joplin)
We Are Young (by Fun)
Love Story Theme (by Andy Williams)
Descending
100 Years (by Five for Fighting)
Call Me Maybe (by Carly Rae Jepsen)
Where Do I Begin (Love Story Theme) (by Andy Williams)
Major Sixth
Ascending
My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean (Traditional)
My Way (by Frank Sinatra)
NBC Chimes (NBC)
Descending
Man in the Mirror (by Michael Jackson)
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen (by Louis Armstrong)
Sweet Caroline (by Neil Diamond)
Minor Seventh
Ascending
Somewhere from West Side Story (by Leonard Bernstein)
Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (by Gene Wilder)
Star Trek Theme (by Alexander Courage)
Descending
Watermelon Man (by Herbie Hancock)
Alfie (by Dionne Warwick)
White Christmas (by Bing Crosby, “And may all your Christmases be white”)
Major Seventh
Ascending
Take On Me (by A-ha)
Don’t Know Why (by Norah Jones)
Bali Ha’i from South Pacific (by Rodgers and Hammerstein)
Descending
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (“So have yourself a merry little Christmas now”) (by Judy Garland)
Color My World (by Chicago)
Perfect Octave
Ascending
Somewhere Over the Rainbow (by Judy Garland)
Singin’ in the Rain (by Gene Kelly)
Let It Snow! (by Vaughn Monroe)
Descending
Willow Weep for Me (by Billie Holiday)
The Christmas Song (“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”) (by Nat King Cole)
There’s No Business Like Show Business (by Ethel Merman)
Closing Notes
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey to learn intervals! If you’re eager to fast-track your ear training and overall musical proficiency, we’re here to assist you. Our school boasts some of the most talented music instructors in Toronto, ready to help you reach your musical aspirations.
