Young Composer Program
Ear Training
Melodic dictation
Hear a short melody on a real grand piano, then play it back on the on-screen keyboard or your own MIDI keyboard. The first note is given, and a cadence sets the key.
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What is melodic dictation?
Melodic dictation means hearing a melody and writing it down. It brings every ear skill together: the key, the shape of the line, the intervals between notes. It is how musicians transcribe songs and solos, and it is one of the most useful skills for singers, instrumentalists and composers alike.
How to practise melodic dictation
Before you play anything, sing the melody back. Notice its shape first: does it rise, fall or stay close to the home note? Then find each note in relation to the home note, not only to the note before it, which is how experienced musicians hear.
The first note is given, so play the rest on the on-screen keyboard. When you finish, your answer appears on a staff with each note marked right or wrong, and the correct melody is shown on the keyboard. Replay it as often as you need, then move on to a new melody.
Hearing in a key
A short cadence sets the key before each melody, so you learn to hear every note as a scale degree. The Scale degrees exercise trains this skill one note at a time, and Two-voice dictation adds a bass line underneath when you are ready for more.
Use a MIDI keyboard
If you have a MIDI keyboard, choose “Connect a MIDI keyboard” at the bottom of the tool and answer on real keys. It works in browsers that support Web MIDI, such as Chrome and Edge on a computer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a MIDI keyboard?
No. You can answer on the on-screen keyboard. A MIDI keyboard is optional and works in browsers that support Web MIDI, such as Chrome and Edge on a computer.
I keep getting lost halfway through. What helps?
Sing the whole melody back before you play anything, and focus on its shape and where it returns to the home note. Replay it as often as you need.
Is this melodic dictation free?
Yes. It is free, runs in your browser with no sign-up, and saves your progress on your own device.
Learn with a teacher
Train your ear with a teacher
Prism School of Music teaches in Gurgaon, South Delhi and Faridabad, for kids and adults. Start with a free demo.