Melodic dictation

Melodic dictation trains you to move a heard sequence into your voice, hand or notation. Start with short phrases in a familiar key.

Separate the task into layers

Find the pulse and melodic direction first, then the anchor tones, and only after that exact degrees and durations. This reduces the load on the ear.

Practice

• Listen to the whole phrase.
• Sing it on one syllable.
• Write the rhythm first, then pitch, and check it on the keyboard.

Start slowly and use your ear to check what you have read.