Music Dictation: Time to turn those ears on

When we imagine someone taking dictation, it usually involves some administrative assistant eagerly jotting down every word of some high-powered executive. These words are then transformed into the latest memo or executive report. In music, the ability to take dictation is a skill that can greatly enhance your critical listening skills and help you work with music away from an instrument.

Check out this great scene from the film Amadeus in which Mozart is dictating his Requiem Mass to the conniving Salieri. The dying Mozart is trying to dictate the parts to this piece to a fellow composer who is trying desperately to keep up with the genius composer.

Amadeus (1984)

We won't start our dictation journey with the Mozart Requiem, but rather with simple step-wise melodies to get our ears warmed-up. Eventually we will work our way up to more advanced melodies that employ skips and jumps.

Dictation Example #1

Dictation Example #2

Dictation Example #3

To help train your ear, try to listen to the examples no more than three times. Here is a suggested outline of dictation protocol:

1. Listen and try to absorb the melody. Hum or sing it back.
2. Sketch out the notes and rhythms
3. Finalize and check the notation