The
process of
learning to accurately determine the
parameters of a musical
sound. For example, the ability to determine the pitch (whether
relative or
absolute), the
rhythmic position, length,
timbre, or
harmonic construction of a sound.
The term is not really correct since it has nothing to do with the ear. It is the teaching of a set of skills.
Often considered to be a form of torture by music students. However, as with all things, there is a right way and a wrong way to approach this. If you attempt to teach this incorrectly, it will be both difficult and unfruitful. When taught correctly, it is relatively straightforward and quite effective.