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Functional Ear Trainer - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is note-in-key ear training?

Note-in-key ear training, also called contextual ear training, is learning to hear notes within the context of the current key. The goal is to determine how the note you want to identify fits within the current key.
Every note has its own function within a specific key. For instance the note E, will sound like a major third in the key of C Major, but will sound very differently in the key of F Major, where it acts as a leading tone.

Functional Ear Trainer teaches you how to hear the function of every tone.

2. What is the difference between Functional Ear Trainer Basic and Advanced?

Functional Ear Trainer - Basic was the original program I wrote in 2002. It plays some chords to establish the key (called a cadence), followed by a random note. The user must say what note it is within the context of the key.

Functional Ear Trainer - Advanced is a follow-up to the first version, and plays two notes after a key reference. The key reference is necessay to hear the interval within the context of the key, like explained in Paula Telesco's article: Contextual Ear Training. This is different from the "traditional" ear training programs which typically provide stand-alone intervals.
Functional Ear Trainer - Advanced can play the two notes one after the other (ascending or descending) or together (harmonically).
The two notes form an interval, so the user has to answer three things:
- how does the first note fits in the context of the key
- how does the second note fits in the context of the key
- what is the interval between these two notes

3. How long does it take to improve my musical ear?

It depends. But as a general rule I would say to start with Functional Ear Trainer - Basic and select the four first notes of the major scale. Practice 10 minutes every day following the instructions you will find in the help page, and gradually add more notes of the major scale as you progress. I can almost guarantee you that your score will be more than 98% on all major scale notes after a month.

Then you can select the random key feature and add only the notes of the major scale. Once you've mastered the major scale as explained in the previous paragraph, you will see that random keys will be rather easy to learn. Then you can add chromatic notes. This is harder to master, but take your time. Normally after 6 months to 1 year, you will have no problems recognizing all chromatic notes including random keys.

4. How do I have to use the programs?

First of all, it is very important to focus on one thing: note in key recognition using Functional Ear Trainer - Basic. Once you've mastered that skill, learn to recognize ascending, descending, and harmonic intervals using Functional Ear Trainer - Advanced. Both skills are needed to develop your inner ear. They will allow you to easily transcribe, compose and arrange by using your ears only. Once you know the key (e.g. by using a pitch pipe, tuning fork, or instrument), you will not need an instrument anymore to do the rest of the work.
But remember: to acquire this skill, you will have to practice and be patient...

5. What is considered a good score in your program?

When I was at school (luckily a very long time ago!) I didn't want to put too much effort in studying: the only thing that matters was to learn just enough to pass the exam. Needless to say I failed a lot of exams! Until I understood that to pass you have to learn and make sure you really understand what you are studying, then you will automatically do a good exam.
With Functional Ear Trainer it is the same. The score is not important. Focus on really learning to recognize the tones in the context of the key, and you will see that your score will improve each day. Make sure you read and follow the instructions in the help pages.

6. Why is Functional Ear Trainer free?

Well, because I wrote it for myself in the first place. I am a registered user of three commercial ear training programs but was not really satisfied. I read once an article about contextual ear training and thought that would be interesting to do on the computer. So I wrote my own ear training program which eventually became Functional Ear Trainer. Within a few weeks my hearing improved a lot and decided to offer it for free on the internet, just because it was so helpful to me. There always have been a tradition of free computer programs even before the internet era (think about the Free Software Foundation, created in 1985), so I thought why ask money for it.
The funny thing is that I received several mails from people who wrote I should charge for the program!
But don't worry, Functional Ear Trainer Basic and Advanced will remain freeware. If you think you owe me something because my program was very useful for you, you can always buy me a present (music book, cd, ...).
I already received a couple of nice things this way. Thanks again, you generous people!

7. How come Functional Ear Trainer is such a huge success?

Thanks for asking! Well maybe because:
- it is free
- it presents a method that really works
- it is easy to use
- it is the first computer program that implements note-in-key recognition

8. I would like to have this or that feature in the program. Is it possible?

If you want a custom version of Functional Ear Trainer just let me know. If it is not too much work, I will do it but I will ask you to make a small donation.

9. Can I learn perfect pitch with your program?

Functional Ear Trainer was meant to learn relative pitch in the first place. However, you can turn off the cadence and use it as a random generator. I know that several people use it like this.

10. How is your musical hearing?

No, I am not Mister Spock.
I am just like you, a musician who wants to improve his/her hearing and thanks to my program I have improved a lot. But I am still learing...
Remember: studying music is a journey. Enjoy it!

11. How can I thank you for this wonderful ear training program?

Consider making a donation. Thanks!

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