Is it possible to train your musical hear to hear notes and recognize them?

Question

I mean without picking the keys out on the keyboard to figure out what they are?
For example, if you heard a "C" or a "d flat" is it possible to train your ear to automatically recognize which key it is? If so, how would you go about it?
I have some ideas, but I just need to know if Im on the right track.
Also, are there any online sites or any other programs you can buy that will facilitate this learning?
Thanks so much I will pick best answer!

Answer 1

Obviously, from the other answers, it is possible to train your ear to be able to 'hear' notes. (People being born with it, others training their ears, etc.)

Now, as to HOW. I have heard a way that is very subtle; I don't know if it is very effective or if there is a faster way, but this is what I know. ;)

Purchase a tuning fork (an A 440 Hz). Every morning when you wake up, hit it and sing the note. After many mornings of this, try to sing the "A" before hitting the tuning fork, and then hit the tuning fork to see if you sang the right note. When you are able to pull an "A" out of thin air, learn how to hear half-steps and whole-steps (Google it or go on wikipedia if you don't know what they are). This will probably be a very slow process, but I guess you could use this temporarily as you look for the right program or whatever. Good luck!

Answer 2

There are a select group of people born with that ability ("perfect pitch"), but it can also be learned (although, not fully, at times). For example, because I sang one particular setting of a German sacred song, I can sing/hum an F without any piano/instrumental help. Same goes with D, E, A.

So, if you have a good tonal memory, doing repetitions of songs can pound those key notes into your brain so you can recall them.

Answer 3

Some people have what's referred to as "perfect pitch".
They can hear a note and tell you what it is.
Most people are born with such capabilities,
but it is not impossible to learn,
as is the case with most piano (and other instrument) tuners.
As with everything else in life,
you can only learn how to do something by repeating it
often enough that it becomes second nature.

And thanks for picking the best answer!
I'll just sit hear and hum a perfect major 'C'
until you select it! ;)
Ooooh, the suspense is KILLING me!!! ;)

Answer 4

yes!!!
b/c my youth choir director NEVER got piano lessons.
She plays by ear!
One day i gave a new song to her that she had never heard.
& like 2 minutes later.., not even before the song was over she was playing the song!!!!

so yes...
i could get some tips from her for you if you wanted me to..

you can e-mail me at

[e-mail]

Answer 5

yep
practice makes perfect... at least, so they say