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Get the Functional Ear Trainer App

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Update: the Functional Ear Trainer app is now also available for iOS. Download links have been added.

However, this remains an Android test review. I don’t have an iOS device and therefore can’t check for differences. Considering the high-quality of the app and the attention to detail the developer Serhii​ Korchan has put into the Android version, I am confident that Apple users will be happy with their version as well.

What You Will Learn In This Post

  • Where to download an excellent Android ear training app for free.
  • What the functional ear training method is about.
  • How the Functional Ear Trainer app works.
  • The advantages of the “Movable Do” solfege style.
  • How to create your personalized ear training exercises.
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2 Strategies to Master Chromatic Notes with Functional Ear Training

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All the screenshots in this article show the (rather old) desktop version. I published this post way back in 2011/2012. However, all the strategies and tactics presented (read the comment section for even more tips) are timeless. You can apply them to the up-to-date Functional Ear Trainer app as well.

My post about functional ear training has been quite popular. I’d like to expand on it and show you some additional strategies to get the most out of the free software. If you haven’t read the first post, please do so now. It covers a general overview about functional ear training, where to download the software from, and your first steps with this method.

Your First Milestone – the Full Major Scale

Before we get to the 2 additional practice strategies to master chromatic notes, please make sure that you can deal with the basic major scale first.

major scale settings for functional ear training
The full major scale is the first MAJOR milestone in functional ear training – pun intended

The major scale is the most fundamental scale used in western music. You really need to nail that sucker before moving on to chromatics.

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Functional Ear Training – A Great Way to Train Your Ears

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You need to develop many essential skills to move forward as a musician:

A classic picture of Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven contemplating functional ear training 😉
  • good technique on your instrument
  • a great rhythmic feel
  • knowledge of stylistic interpretation
  • improvising
  • reading music, chord charts, tab
  • the know-how to arrange music
  • an understanding of basic recording technology
  • “working” your equipment [synth(s), effects, software]
  • promoting your music
  • people skills (band members, managers, at venues)

But your most prized possession as a musician is…

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