Work out by ear how to play pieces of increasing complexity
Demonstrate how to play melodies by ear in different keys. Initially, let learners take the most natural key and then transpose to another.
As an extension activity, encourage learners to play a well-known tune in a ‘difficult’ key and note the problems that need solving.
Ask learners to practise playing a familiar piece, e.g. ‘Happy Birthday’, in a variety of keys.
Ask learners to make up some variations on well-known tunes by ear, using a range of melodic and/or rhythmic patterns.
If a piano/keyboard is available, ask learners to work out by ear some possible harmonies for well-known tunes.
An awareness of transposition is important for the advanced musician, especially for brass players who may have to transpose their parts in an ensemble. It is helpful for learners to develop fluency in some of the most common transpositions encountered by brass players, e.g. for B flat, D and F instruments.
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