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Thanks. I do have the ear training book for 4, but I was wondering if there were any other training methods or tools. I really haven't started ear training, so I'd better get cracking. Do you suggest I start from the beginning (ear training for level 1, etc) or jump right into 4? Fortunately, I'm in a better state on the sight reading!

I’m also curious about ear training. My teacher does some with me in class but it’s so little. When I try to practice them at home I don’t know if I’ve done them right because there’s no one there to give me feedback. I wonder if there’s an app or program like Piano Marvel that can give immediate feedback for ear training?

I mainly stuck with the RCM tools, and the practice with my teacher during lessons (usually the last 5 to 10 minutes). I do have a phone app called Perfect Ear, which I've used from time to time. Melody playback is best practiced with a teacher, or someone else.

Tyrone - try the ear training practice at level 4 and see how you do. If you think it's difficult, go back to an earlier level. The RCM tool gives you feedback, so you'll know how you are doing.

I see...thanks.

I've seen some melody playback training apps on the App Store, Meludia being one. Have you tried any of these? Why do you feel melody playback is best practiced with someone else? (Just trying to understand so I don't waste time down a 'melody playback' rabbit hole.)

Since we're on this topic, I found this blog post that lists some apps that might be helpful for ear training, in case anyone might be interested.

https://www.piano-pieces.com/blog/2016/12/14/ipad-x-rcm-ear-training

I guess if the app tells you what you got wrong, or what the melody is, you'll still be OK. When I was working with my teacher, she would identify the part I had trouble with, e.g., was it a skip, step, or something else. I found that feedback to be helpful.

Thanks! Let me know if you find the Clapback app there, "Rhythm Training." I didn't see it in the App Store.

I do see it...It's called "Rhythm Training (Sight Reading)"??? At least I think that's what the author of that blog meant. I haven't looked at it yet. I noticed there are other rhythm training apps there too. I will need to check them out this weekend.

I found starting of with ear training apps quite difficult because the few I tried didn't sound like a real piano. However Functional Ear Trainer (not sure if there is an android version) is one that I thought really helped.

Intervals are relatively easy to learn if you associate each one with the first notes of a song. (Here) is a list.

Using Muscore and Audacity (one to create the other to record) I created a lot of personalised exercises.

I don't know about any other syllabus but AMEB has a book of ear training exercises, (with Cd's), typically used in the exams from preliminary to grade 8. I use this quite a bit. Currently my favourite Cd in the car

For ABRSM I know some people really like E-MusicMaestro, but unfortunately not suited for AMEB

Well, I'm registered for my RCM Level 4 exam. Absolutely last time slot on the last day, December 10th.

I've learned all the notes on my 3 repertoire pieces and 2 etudes and can play in draft form. Now I've got just over 3 months to get them really up to snuff.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Good luck!

Amazing! Oddly jealous of you exam guys!

Sort of like in college if you are stuck in the rare pass/fail class and going to your professor and begging for a grade.

I received a borderline pass for my piano exam this year. For the first time in all aspects of my life in many years, I am at a loss as to what to do next. I had put in 100% effort to prepare for this exam and when the outcome is what it is, I don't know if I should still continue lessons/piano. Things will only get harder and I can't put in more effort than what I had already put in.

For me, the exam served as an independent opinion of my playing (apart from my teacher's). With such a poor exam result, I am wondering if there is a still a point to continue. My aspirations and hopes for the final objectives of pursuing this area have somewhat been extinguished.

What was your purpose/objective in learning to play the piano? This is a serious question.

I'd be devastated.
It might be useful to take a small break and then get back in touch with how you feel when you play.

well congratulations anyway.......a pass is still a pass. I know it must be hard but try to look for the positives.......did you enjoy the journey for example?

Yet exams and exam grades are not the be-all and end-all of learning to play the piano. If you enjoy the piano and get some satisfaction from playing and learning, then it's all good.

Your earlier post here suggests it's time to find a new teacher, and my suggestion would be one who is not exam oriented. You need time to consolidate what you have learned and to go back (new teacher, different approach) over what didn't work for you in the exam. Good luck!