Music Dictation Research Articles

Effects of metric and harmonic rhythm on the detection of pitch alterations in melodic sequences.

Tested response time to alterations. Metric rhythm and harmonic rhythm of 13-note tonal sequences were either matched or mismatched. Metric rhythm (3/4 or 4/4 meter) was induced by dynamic accents. Harmonic rhythm was induced by implied chord progressions initiated on the first note and on either every third or every fourth note. Responses were not always faster for matched rhythms or for alterations occurring on the dynamic accent. Responses were consistently faster for sequences presented in 4/4 meter. Musically untrained Ss performed similarly to trained Ss, but were slower and more variable. Accuracy of recall on a music dictation task also favored 4/4 meter rather than matched rhythms. Coding of pitch content may have been facilitated by the structural framework of 4/4 meter rather than by expectancies arising from the match of temporal and pitch organization.

Observations on Music Dictation Programing

THREE TEACHING MACHINES have been placed in the music library of George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, for the purpose of developing an experimental program in intervallic, melodic, and harmonic dictation. Machine development was begun in the fall of 1964; the first experimental programs were written and recorded in January, 1965. All music dictation training in freshman ear training and sightsinging (Music 1OOA and B) is now taught by means of this program. The music library is responsible for control of machines, earphones, and programed tape cartridges. The program consists of melodic, harmonic, and intervallic dictation questions and answers placed in small-step arrangement with electronic aids for question repetition as needed. The experimental program is nonbranching. Since the program is still in development, the total number of tapes necessary for a complete program is unknown but the present number of 15to 30-minute tapes totals more than one hundred.

Rutgers University Music Dictation Series. (A Course in Basic Musicianship and Ear Training)

Rutgers University Music Dictation Series. (A Course in Basic Musicianship and Ear Training)