Question 1

How do I write the tune down?

Accepted Answer

Press Listen. Then, for each note, pick its value on the bar (quarter, eighth, half) and tap its key. The note appears on the staff straight away. Undo takes the last note off, and Check marks the answer.

Question 2

How is a dictation marked?

Accepted Answer

Note by note, pitch apart from rhythm: the third note you write is held against the third note of the tune. A note too many or too few counts as wrong in both. A dictation passes at 80% of the marks, and under them the tune is drawn with the places where your answer differs.

Question 3

Why is the number of listens limited?

Accepted Answer

Because that is how a music school runs a dictation: the tune plays a few times and then you write it from memory. Without a limit the exercise turns into guessing one note at a time. Level 1 has no limit, level 2 has five listens, level 3 four, and levels 4 and 5 three. Once it is checked, you can listen as often as you like.

Question 4

What changes from level to level?

Accepted Answer

Level 1 is a few quarter notes from C to G with the first note given. Level 2 adds eighths and a bar of 2/4 or 3/4, and from here the tonic triad sounds before the tune. Level 3 is two bars in keys with up to two sharps or flats, with half notes and dotted notes. Level 4 is four bars in harmonic minor with leaps along the triad. Level 5 adds the bass clef and a chromatic passing note, and no longer names the key.