Home
About
Authors
Sound Samples
How To Order
Publisher
FAQs

Sound Advice offers an innovative approach to integrating ear training and theory into music study. By working with Sound Advice books and recordings both at home and during lessons, students will gain an enriched understanding and appreciation of music that will last a lifetime. Teachers will find these materials ideal for use in studio and classroom settings for students of all instruments as well as singers and choristers.

Integration of Theory and Aural Skills
In the Sound Advice program, musical sounds are related to their symbols through the combination of written and aural theory. Each level incorporates theory, ear training, and sight reading to develop music literacy. Numerous dictation, playback, and sight-singing exercises are included throughout to address intervals, scales, chords, rhythms, cadences, and melodies.


Organization
Each of the twenty-four lessons in the workbook consists of the following components:

  • the Learning Guide introduces new concepts
  • the Theory Worksheet provides practice and review for new and previously learned concepts
  • the Ear-Training Worksheet helps to build strong aural skills
  • the Ear-Training Answer Key allows students to check their own work

Examination Preparation
This series serves as effective preparation for the ear-training and theory components of major examination systems, including:

  • RCM Examinations
  • National Music Certificate Program (NMCP)
  • Certificate of Merit (Music Teachers’ Association of California)
  • Victoria Conservatory of Music
  • National Guild of Piano Teachers
  • The curricula of most MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) affiliates

The ultimate goal of Sound Advice is to ensure that students not only succeed at their examinations, but become well-rounded musicians. Students working with the series will be prepared above and beyond the requirements for the ear-training portion of their RCM Examinations and National Music Certificate Program examinations. The structure of Sound Advice encourages continual review and strengthening of skills—making it easy for teachers and students to avoid last-minute examination preparation.


How to Choose a Level
The Sound Advice books are designed to serve each level of the curriculum of The Royal Conservatory of Music and National Music Certificate Program (NMCP). Students may use the Sound Advice level with their corresponding instrumental grade as a recommended guide of study, i.e. Level One of Sound Advice> corresponds directly with the Grade 1 requirements outlined in the Piano Syllabus, 2008 Edition. However, a beginning musician can start in Level One at the very first lesson and progress at a pace suitable to their learning ability.

Sound Advice theory and musicianship classes incorporate theory, ear training, sight reading, improvisation, and composition. Relating theoretical concepts to the actual sound of music is an integral part of all Sound Advice theory classes. Sound Advice> helps students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of music while preparing them for the ear-training and theory components of major examination systems.


 

“I use Sound Advice with my students because it is simply the BEST. I appreciate the gradual introduction of new material, the breakdowns that make difficult concepts understandable and memorable, and the ear training which is so vital—and so much fun!”

Ann Baker Mendenhall, piano and theory teacher, Glenora, British Columbia

Compare Sound Advice to The Royal Conservatory Of Music Examinations and National Music Certificate Program levels.

top
 
 
Listening Room