Tags: music

Ear-Training and Sight-Singing Applied to Elementary Musical Theory by George A. Wedge (Wedge, 2012) is a coordinated course designed to teach fundamental music theory through a practical combination of three integrated components:

1. Written exercises to build theoretical understanding of musical concepts.
2. Ear training (dictation) to develop listening skills and the ability to recognize pitches, intervals, and rhythms by ear.
3. Sight-singing to train students to read and sing music accurately at first sight.

It starts from basic concepts like intervals, scales, and rhythm, and gradually builds toward more complex material. The teaching method is step-by-step, making it ideal for both classroom use and private study. The book’s strength lies in how it connects theory directly to listening and performance, encouraging a well-rounded musical foundation.

Preface

The author outlines the book’s purpose: to present the elements of music in a direct and concise manner, providing material for practice and instruction on its use.

Analytical Table of Contents

1. Chapter I: The Staff, Clefs, and Notes

• Introduction to the musical staff, treble and bass clefs, and note values.

1. Chapter II: Measures and Time Signatures

• Understanding measures, bar lines, and common time signatures.

1. Chapter III: The Major Scale

• Construction of the major scale and key signatures.

1. Chapter IV: The Minor Scale

• Natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales.

1. Chapter V: Intervals

• Identification and construction of musical intervals.

1. Chapter VI: Rhythm and Meter

• Exploration of rhythmic patterns and various meters.

1. Chapter VII: Ear Training Exercises

• Exercises designed to develop aural skills.

1. Chapter VIII: Sight-Singing Practices

• Progressive sight-singing exercises to enhance reading skills.

1. Chapter IX: Dictation Exercises

• Melodic and rhythmic dictation to reinforce listening abilities.

1. Chapter X: Review and Application

• Comprehensive review exercises combining all learned concepts.

Each chapter includes written exercises, dictation for ear training, and sight-reading practice, ensuring a well-rounded approach to learning.

Reference