👉 Get the Free Supplement: https://www.uremusic.com/audiation-inner-ear-training-for-musicians

Most musicians can hear harmony, but actually holding it in your mind? That’s where almost everyone struggles.

Experience 8 science-backed breakthroughs that will transform the way you audiate harmony.

What You’ll Learn:

👉 Why harmony collapses in your mind (and how to fix it)

👉 Breakthrough exercises to strengthen your auditory working memory

👉 The science behind audiation and predictive coding

👉 How to train your brain to hold chords, intervals, and moving lines—internally

👉 Real-time tests and interactive chat prompts

👉 If you’ve ever felt lost when harmony gets complex, this is your path forward.

👇 Type YES in the chat if harmony turns to mush when you try to hear it internally!

Timestamps:

00:00 Why Harmony Collapses

00:31 The Silent Note Test (Breakthrough 1)

01:42 The Vanishing Tone Breakthrough 2)

03:26 Audiation is Not Just Memory

04:02 The First Internal Chord (Breakthrough 3)

05:30 Audiation is Not Recall

06:26 Contrary Motion Stability (Breakthrough 4)

07:45 Auditing Harmony Isn't Possible

08:24 Hearing an Internal Chord (Breakthrough 5)

11:43 Tonotopic Path

13:17 Solfège Systems

15:49 Contrary Motion Stability (Breakthrough 6)

17:35 The Internal Bassline (Breakthrough 7)

19:53 Internal Modulation (Breakthrough 8)

21:20 Instant Ear Training Fixes

22:24 The Internal Cadence (Bonus Breakthrough 1)

23:41 Melody over Harmony (Bonus Breakthrough 2)

24:34 An Audiation Path That Works

🔬 Science References & Clarifications

This training is grounded in established auditory neuroscience and cognitive science research. The terminology used in the video is pedagogical—designed to make complex internal listening skills trainable—rather than a direct copy of academic labels. The cited research supports the underlying neural mechanisms involved in audiation: sustained auditory representations, predictive processing, and multi-stream auditory tracking.

Below are the scientific foundations referenced in the video, with brief clarifications on how each applies:

🧠 Auditory Working Memory

Kumar et al. (2016). A Brain System for Auditory Working Memory. Journal of Neuroscience.

Auditory working memory relies on sustained cortical activity that persists after a sound ends. The “hold the tone” exercises engage these mechanisms, showing natural decay limits when internal sound isn’t yet stabilized.

⚡ Stable Neural Firing

Ulanovsky et al. (2003). Processing of low-probability sounds by cortical neurons. Nature Neuroscience.

Auditory representations persist only when neural firing patterns remain stable. Destabilized firing causes internal sound traces to collapse. This stability-versus-decay property is a core audiation challenge.

🎶 Auditory Cortex

Zatorre, Belin, & Penhune (2002). Structure and function of auditory cortex. Trends in Cognitive Sciences.

The auditory cortex is central to pitch, timbre, harmony, and musical imagery. When external sound disappears, unsupported tones are often dropped unless actively maintained.

🔄 Predictive Coding

Friston (2005). A theory of cortical responses. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.

The brain predicts sensory input and updates internal models when predictions fail. In music, this explains why “missing” notes collapse without a strong predictive framework—and why trained audiation feels stable.

🎼 Two-Tone Predictive Model

McLachlan & Wilson (2010). The central role of the auditory cortex in musical memory and perception. Frontiers in Psychology.

While the term is pedagogical, the mechanism is established: the auditory cortex encodes relational pitch information. Stabilizing intervals is foundational for harmonic audiation.

🛤️ Dorsal Auditory Stream

Rauschecker & Scott (2009). Maps and streams in the auditory cortex. Nature Neuroscience.

The dorsal auditory stream supports sequential and motion-based sound processing. Struggling to hold a moving line internally reflects load on these tracking mechanisms.

🗺️ Tonotopic Map

Formisano et al. (2003). Mirror-symmetric tonotopic maps in human auditory cortex. Neuron.

Different frequencies activate distinct regions of the auditory cortex. Holding multiple tones increases representational load, which is why internal chords often flicker without training.

💡 Neural Efficiency

Neubauer & Fink (2009). Intelligence and neural efficiency. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.

Stable representations require fewer resources and persist longer. Unstable internal sounds fade more quickly.

🔀 Dual-Stream Tracking

Alain & Arnott (2000). Selectively attending to auditory objects. Frontiers in Bioscience.

The brain can track multiple auditory objects at once. Contrary motion and multi-voice harmony demand this system, which strengthens with training.

🔊 Subcortical Pitch Pathway

Bidelman & Krishnan (2011). Subcortical encoding of behaviorally relevant pitch cues. Journal of Neuroscience.

👉 Free Audiation Course: https://www.uremusic.com/audiation-inner-ear-training-for-musicians

Kevin’s Notes:

In this drill, I take you through a simple exercise that tests your ability to hear major and minor chords. We start with a quick demonstration and assessment, then a few minutes of prep work followed by an exercise that is designed to open up your ears to hear harmony in context.

AI Summary of Session:

Kevin led an ear training exercise focused on chord identification and harmonic awareness, demonstrating how to analyze chords by breaking them down into individual notes and arpeggiating them. The exercise involved listening to a root note on a long tone followed by arpeggiating the remaining notes, then identifying whether the chord was major or minor. Kevin explained that this simple but effective technique strengthens three core musicianship abilities: anchoring, audiation, and functional hearing, which are crucial for real-world music applications. He emphasized that while the exercises may seem challenging, they are designed to gradually improve ear training skills through a combination of easy and difficult elements, helping musicians develop the ability to quickly identify and analyze chords in real music situations.

Chord Ear Training Exercise

Kevin led an ear training exercise that involves listening to chords and identifying their root notes and chord types. Participants practiced arpeggiating chords by singing or audiating the notes, starting with individual notes and progressing to identifying chords in succession. Kevin explained that the exercise is designed to rewire the brain for deeper musical understanding, and he demonstrated various chord progressions for participants to practice.

Musical Chord Identification Exercise

Kevin led a musical exercise focusing on chord identification and musicianship skills, specifically anchoring, audiation, and functional hearing. He explained that the exercise involves playing long tones to create a stable reference point, which helps participants better understand and internalize musical concepts. The exercise is designed to strengthen these core abilities by having participants identify major and minor chords in a structured sequence.

Ear Training Through Chord Arpeggios

Kevin explains a technique for learning chords by arpeggiating them and breaking them down into their individual notes, emphasizing the importance of gradual, incremental challenges in ear training. He discusses the role of challenging dictation exercises in developing harmonic abilities, noting that they are intentionally difficult and not meant to be completed in full. Kevin also highlights the need to quickly adapt to new harmonies and the importance of practicing chord identification in real-time to better understand music.

Daily Ear Training Sessions

Kevin led a 10-minute ear training session, emphasizing its benefits for musicians of all levels. He explained that these exercises are functional and foundational, helping to build ear skills. Kevin mentioned that he would conduct these sessions every weekday at 11am Pacific time, with a guaranteed session on Friday. He encouraged participants to ask questions during the 2-5 minute Q&A period after each drill.

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

📚 Featured Resources

• Resource Guide → https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

• Octave Registers by Number → https://www.uremusic.com/octave-registers-by-number

• Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://www.uremusic.com/subscribe

• Amazon Bookstore → https://amzn.to/44SsSAJ

• UreMusic Homepage → https://www.uremusic.com/

🎧 Learn & Connect

• Schedule a Consultation → https://calendly.com/uremusic/consultation

• Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/c/UreMusic

• Explore Services & Products → https://linktr.ee/uremusic

🔔 Subscribe for new videos every week and start sharpening your inner ear today.

📌 Topics Covered

#Audiation #EarTraining #MusicTheory #MusicComposition

#ComposerTutorials #VoiceLeading #Counterpoint

#FormAndAnalysis #AspiringComposer #MusicEducation

📬 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the educational content flowing. Thank you!

👉 Free Audiation Course: https://www.uremusic.com/audiation-inner-ear-training-for-musicians

Daily ear‑opening work focused on clearing the tonal palette and sharpening interval and chord identity. We’ll start with cluster “resets,” move into distinguishing perfect fourths from perfect fifths, and finish by comparing major and minor triads. A short, focused mid‑morning practice to recalibrate your listening and strengthen your musicianship.

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

📚 Featured Resources

• Resource Guide → https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

• Octave Registers by Number → https://www.uremusic.com/octave-registers-by-number

• Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://www.uremusic.com/subscribe

• Amazon Bookstore → https://amzn.to/44SsSAJ

• UreMusic Homepage → https://www.uremusic.com/

🎧 Learn & Connect

• Schedule a Consultation → https://calendly.com/uremusic/consultation

• Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/c/UreMusic

• Explore Services & Products → https://linktr.ee/uremusic

🔔 Subscribe for new videos every week and start sharpening your inner ear today.

📌 Topics Covered

#Audiation #EarTraining #MusicTheory #MusicComposition

#ComposerTutorials #VoiceLeading #Counterpoint

#FormAndAnalysis #AspiringComposer #MusicEducation

📬 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the educational content flowing. Thank you!

👉 Free Audiation Course: https://www.uremusic.com/audiation-inner-ear-training-for-musicians

Daily ear‑opening work focused on clearing the tonal palette and sharpening interval and chord identity. We’ll start with cluster “resets,” move into distinguishing perfect fourths from perfect fifths, and finish by comparing major and minor triads. A short, focused mid‑morning practice to recalibrate your listening and strengthen your musicianship.

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

📚 Featured Resources

• Resource Guide → https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

• Octave Registers by Number → https://www.uremusic.com/octave-registers-by-number

• Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://www.uremusic.com/subscribe

• Amazon Bookstore → https://amzn.to/44SsSAJ

• UreMusic Homepage → https://www.uremusic.com/

🎧 Learn & Connect

• Schedule a Consultation → https://calendly.com/uremusic/consultation

• Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/c/UreMusic

• Explore Services & Products → https://linktr.ee/uremusic

🔔 Subscribe for new videos every week and start sharpening your inner ear today.

📌 Topics Covered

#Audiation #EarTraining #MusicTheory #MusicComposition

#ComposerTutorials #VoiceLeading #Counterpoint

#FormAndAnalysis #AspiringComposer #MusicEducation

📬 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the educational content flowing. Thank you!

👉 Get the Free Supplement: https://www.uremusic.com/audiation-inner-ear-training-for-musicians

Ready to change the way you hear music—without touching an instrument? In this exercise, you’ll train your inner ear to transform a simple melody into something completely new. Start by picturing the melody as a piano, then shift its “color” to trumpet, violin, and even choir—all in your mind.

You’ll discover how changing the instrument changes the emotion, the story, and the entire experience of music.

No fancy gear. No excuses. Just your imagination, your focus, and a melody you love.

Pause, listen, and notice: does the music feel brighter, darker, more powerful, more intimate?

Write down what you hear.

Push your boundaries—try new instruments, new sounds, even new colors that don’t exist yet.

This isn’t theory. It’s transformation.

Start now—hear music differently for the rest of your life.

00:00 Color Shift

01:20 Shifting Voices

09:29 Feel the Emotional Weight

11:27 Explore Melodies

13:00 Integrating Timbres

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

📚 Featured Resources

• Resource Guide → https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

• Octave Registers by Number → https://www.uremusic.com/octave-registers-by-number

• Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://www.uremusic.com/subscribe

• Amazon Bookstore → https://amzn.to/44SsSAJ

• UreMusic Homepage → https://www.uremusic.com/

🎧 Learn & Connect

• Schedule a Consultation → https://calendly.com/uremusic/consultation

• Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/c/UreMusic

• Explore Services & Products → https://linktr.ee/uremusic

🔔 Subscribe for new videos every week and start sharpening your inner ear today.

📌 Topics Covered

#Audiation #EarTraining #MusicTheory #MusicComposition

#ComposerTutorials #VoiceLeading #Counterpoint

#FormAndAnalysis #AspiringComposer #MusicEducation

📬 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the educational content flowing. Thank you!

📚 My Books on Music Composition

Available on Amazon or UreMusic: https://www.uremusic.com/books

🎼 Composition Series

• Elements of Music Composition → https://amzn.to/44O2OIi

• Music Composition Technique Builder → https://amzn.to/40FwgOa

• Technique Builder Workbook → https://amzn.to/40FwgOa

🎻 Orchestration

• The Study of Orchestration → https://amzn.to/3U0jkyI

📝 Composition Foundations

• Fundamentals of Music Composition → https://amzn.to/3H5h8Tu

📘 Music Theory

• Style and Idea → https://amzn.to/471BdVm

• Theory and Harmony → https://amzn.to/3TWT4oT

• Structural Functions of Harmony → https://amzn.to/4kZYaM6

🎵 Schenkerian Analysis

• Analysis of Tonal Music (Schenkerian Approach) → https://amzn.to/4ffGgUu

• Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis → https://amzn.to/4o6ZmQw

• Structural Hearing: Tonal Coherence in Music → https://amzn.to/4o9Rs94

🎶 Counterpoint

• The Study of Counterpoint → https://amzn.to/457BXpg

• Counterpoint (Kennan) → https://amzn.to/44TtA24

• Counterpoint in Composition → https://amzn.to/40ze6h6

📎 Bonus Reading

• Gustav Mahler: Letters to His Wife → https://amzn.to/4lU03LI

Download Your Free Resource Guide: Start your journey to better audiation and ear training today! 👉 https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

Most musicians live in a fantasy—chasing shortcuts, avoiding the grind, mistaking comfort for mastery.

This talk destroys the myth.

In this raw, research-backed session, I reveal the truth about “busy work” in music:

— Why drills matter.

— Why real growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.

— Why every shortcut is a chain—and every repetition is a weapon for your freedom.

You’ll hear the stories behind the struggle.

You’ll get the science that proves why the work works.

And you’ll see how honest, conscious practice can transform not just your playing, but your life.

This isn’t about empty motivation or exploitation.

It’s an honest contract: my expertise for your transformation.

If you’re tired of being manipulated by false promises and ready to do the real work—this is for you.

Timestamps:

– The Honest Contract

– The Drills Myth

– The Science of Growth

– The Three Pillars

– Overwhelm & Chunking

– Bad Days & Setbacks

– Dependency & Liberation

– Progress & Motivation

– Creativity & Performance

– The Ethics of Practice

– The Real Choice

References:

Ericsson, K.A., Krampe, R.T., & Tesch-Römer, C. (1993). The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance. Psychological Review, 100(3), 363–406.

Zatorre, R.J., Chen, J.L., & Penhune, V.B. (2007). When the brain plays music: Auditory–motor interactions in music perception and production. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 8(7), 547–558.

Walker, M.P., & Stickgold, R. (2004). Sleep-dependent learning and memory consolidation. Neuron, 44(1), 121–133.

Dweck, C.S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

Gordon, E.E. (2007). Learning Sequences in Music: Skill, Content, and Patterns.

Sloboda, J.A. (1985). The Musical Mind: The Cognitive Psychology of Music.

Lehmann, A.C., & Ericsson, K.A. (1997). Research on expert performance and deliberate practice: Implications for the education of amateur musicians and music students. Psychomusicology, 16(1-2), 40–58.

Chaffin, R., Imreh, G., Lemieux, A.F., & Chen, C. (2003). “Seeing the Big Picture: Chunking and Mental Representation in Music Performance.” Memory & Cognition, 31(8), 1188–1197.

Clark, T., Williamon, A., & Aksentijevic, A. (2012). Musical imagery and mental rehearsal: A review. Psychomusicology: Music, Mind, and Brain, 22(2), 179–188.

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

📚 Featured Resources

• Resource Guide → https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

• Octave Registers by Number → https://www.uremusic.com/octave-registers-by-number

• Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://www.uremusic.com/subscribe

• Amazon Bookstore → https://amzn.to/44SsSAJ

• UreMusic Homepage → https://www.uremusic.com/

🎧 Learn & Connect

• Schedule a Consultation → https://calendly.com/uremusic/consultation

• Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/c/UreMusic

• Explore Services & Products → https://linktr.ee/uremusic

🔔 Subscribe for new videos every week and start sharpening your inner ear today.

📌 Topics Covered

#Audiation #EarTraining #MusicTheory #MusicComposition

#ComposerTutorials #VoiceLeading #Counterpoint

#FormAndAnalysis #AspiringComposer #MusicEducation

📬 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the educational content flowing. Thank you!

📚 My Books on Music Composition

Available on Amazon or UreMusic: https://www.uremusic.com/books

🎼 Composition Series

• Elements of Music Composition → https://amzn.to/44O2OIi

• Music Composition Technique Builder → https://amzn.to/40FwgOa

• Technique Builder Workbook → https://amzn.to/40FwgOa

🎻 Orchestration

• The Study of Orchestration → https://amzn.to/3U0jkyI

📝 Composition Foundations

• Fundamentals of Music Composition → https://amzn.to/3H5h8Tu

📘 Music Theory

• Style and Idea → https://amzn.to/471BdVm

• Theory and Harmony → https://amzn.to/3TWT4oT

• Structural Functions of Harmony → https://amzn.to/4kZYaM6

🎵 Schenkerian Analysis

• Analysis of Tonal Music (Schenkerian Approach) → https://amzn.to/4ffGgUu

• Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis → https://amzn.to/4o6ZmQw

• Structural Hearing: Tonal Coherence in Music → https://amzn.to/4o9Rs94

🎶 Counterpoint

• The Study of Counterpoint → https://amzn.to/457BXpg

• Counterpoint (Kennan) → https://amzn.to/44TtA24

• Counterpoint in Composition → https://amzn.to/40ze6h6

📎 Bonus Reading

• Gustav Mahler: Letters to His Wife → https://amzn.to/4lU03LI

In this masterclass, we will take a short idea you can clearly audiate (even if it’s just a few notes you can sing) and walk through the exact process of turning it into a complete, coherent musical phrase.

Kevin conducted a masterclass on turning internal auditory ideas into written compositions, focusing on melody and audiation techniques. He guided participants through exercises and discussed the importance of developing mental auditory skills, emphasizing clarity in initial ideas and the value of intuitive composition. The group explored methods for composing music through audiation and discussed the challenges of developing these skills, concluding with plans for future meetings and webinars.

Audiation Techniques for Composers

Kevin conducted a masterclass on the technique of turning internal auditory ideas into written compositions, focusing on melody. He explained the importance of developing audiation skills for both composers and performers, emphasizing its role in previewing and improvising music. Kevin guided participants through a practice exercise involving a single note, encouraging them to listen to the note and determine its natural progression. He stressed the need for clarity and memorability in the initial ideas, advising against writing them down during the process. Kevin also mentioned plans to hold monthly live sessions to address questions and provide support for his website members.

Mastering Melody Composition Intuition

Kevin led a discussion on melody composition, emphasizing the importance of creating short, memorable phrases that can be easily audiated and remembered. He advised against writing down notes until the melody is firmly anchored in memory, as this can help prevent ideas from vanishing during the notation process. Kevin also stressed the value of intuitive composition and the need to develop mental auditory skills through daily practice.

Natural Music Development Techniques

Kevin discussed the importance of allowing musical ideas to develop naturally from inner hearing rather than being dictated by notation or instruments. He emphasized that music theory should be used as a tool for logical thinking rather than just fitting preconceived ideas, and warned against "paper music" that looks complex but lacks comprehensibility. Kevin explained techniques for expanding simple musical phrases through repetition and variation, focusing on characteristic elements that stand out, and demonstrated how to audiate ideas without being limited by instrumental constraints.

Audiation for Music Composition

Kevin discussed a method for composing music through audiation, emphasizing the importance of developing an internal ear for melody creation. He explained that composers should focus on creating original ideas rather than overthinking or relying solely on theoretical knowledge. Kevin also highlighted common pitfalls in composition, such as losing the sound of the music and forcing development, and advised against adding unnecessary notes. He recommended taking breaks when composition becomes mechanical and always returning to the sound in one's mind. Kevin suggested that daily practice, even for short periods, can lead to improvement in audiation skills.

👉 Free Audiation Course: https://www.uremusic.com/audiation-inner-ear-training-for-musicians

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

📚 Featured Resources

• Resource Guide → https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

• Octave Registers by Number → https://www.uremusic.com/octave-registers-by-number

• Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://www.uremusic.com/subscribe

• Amazon Bookstore → https://amzn.to/44SsSAJ

• UreMusic Homepage → https://www.uremusic.com/

🎧 Learn & Connect

• Schedule a Consultation → https://calendly.com/uremusic/consultation

• Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/c/UreMusic

• Explore Services & Products → https://linktr.ee/uremusic

🔔 Subscribe for new videos every week and start sharpening your inner ear today.

📌 Topics Covered

#Audiation #EarTraining #MusicTheory #MusicComposition

#ComposerTutorials #VoiceLeading #Counterpoint

#FormAndAnalysis #AspiringComposer #MusicEducation

📬 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the educational content flowing. Thank you!

Download Your Free Resource Guide: Start your journey to better audiation and ear training today! 👉 https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

This Q&A explains practical audiation tips and techniques; it does not include full guided practice sessions (those are in my courses).

Most ear training doesn’t fail because you’re untalented.It fails because it trains the wrong skill.

In this 1-hour Q&A, I answer 22 real questions musicians are asking about ear training, memory, improvisation, rhythm, and musical confidence — and explain why audiation (hearing music clearly in your mind) is the skill that changes everything.

If you’ve ever felt stuck guessing, confused by theory, or frustrated by slow progress, this video is for you.

You’ll learn:

* Why most ear training programs don’t translate into real musicianship

* The missing skill that separates guessing from knowing

* Practical ways to develop audiation (your inner ear) step by step

* How to break plateaus, overcome self-doubt, and hear music before you play it

* How audiation transforms improvisation, rhythm, memory, and style mastery

I’m not here to sell shortcuts or hype. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from decades of teaching, research, and real-world results — so you can stop spinning your wheels and start hearing music from the inside out.

If you’re ready to challenge what you’ve been told about ear training, you’re in the right place.

Chapters — Audiation Q&A (Q1–Q22)

00:00 Audiation/Ear Training Q&A

01:11 Hear Every Voice (Q1) — pause & try

03:52 Memory Mastery (Q2) — pause & try

07:27 Mirror Exercise (Q3) — pause & try

09:09 Chord Clarity (Q4) — pause & try

11:08 Start Small (Q5) — pause & try

13:33 Visual Power (Q6) — pause & try

15:20 Daily Progress (Q7) — pause & try

19:15 Routine Wins (Q8) — pause & try

22:05 Calm Creates (Q9)

24:00 Mind Moves (Q10)

27:18 Hear Ahead (Q11)

28:58 Inner Sound (Q12)

31:30 Stack Voices (Q13) — pause & try

33:30 Balance Both (Q14)

35:27 Memory Fix (Q15) — pause & try

37:02 Break Plateau (Q16)

40:40 Ready Now (Q17)

44:12 Stay Driven (Q18)

46:39 Doubt Grows (Q19)

50:00 Create Freely (Q20)

52:34 Rhythm Inside (Q21) — pause & try

54:50 Genre Mastery (Q22)

📚 Research & Sources Referenced

1. Novelty and Memory EncodingKafkas, A., & Montaldi, D. (2018). How do memory systems detect and respond to novelty? Neuroscience Letters, 680, 60–68.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2018.01.053(Open access: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6565889/)

• Reviews how different types of novelty engage the hippocampus and neuromodulatory systems, influencing how strongly information is encoded.

2. Curiosity, Dopamine, and LearningGruber, M. J., Gelman, B. D., & Ranganath, C. (2014). States of curiosity modulate hippocampus-dependent learning via the dopaminergic circuit. Neuron, 84(2), 486–496.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2014.08.060(Open access: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4252494/)

• Shows that curiosity activates reward circuits and the hippocampus, enhancing memory encoding and consolidation.

3. Novelty, Reward, and MotivationWittmann, B. C., et al. (2007). Anticipation of novelty recruits reward system and hippocampus while promoting recollection. NeuroImage, 38(1), 194–202.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2007.06.038

• Demonstrates that anticipating novel stimuli activates reward systems and improves later recall.

4. Variable vs. Blocked PracticeSchmidt, R. A., & Bjork, R. A. (1992). New conceptualizations of practice. Psychological Science, 3(4), 207–217.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.1992.tb00029.x

• Shows that interleaved and varied practice leads to better long-term retention and transfer than repetitive blocked practice.

5. Interleaving and Long-Term LearningKornell, N., & Bjork, R. A. (2008). Is spacing the “enemy of induction”? Psychological Science, 19(6), 585–592.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02127.x

• Interleaving enhances discrimination and long-term learning, even when it feels harder during practice.

6. Practice Structure in Music LearningLehmann, A. C., Sloboda, J. A., & Woody, R. H. (2007). Psychology for Musicians. Oxford University Press.

• Discusses how varied practice promotes flexible perception and skill transfer in musicians.

7. Audiation and Varied RepetitionGordon, E. E. (2007). Learning Sequences in Music. GIA Publications.

• Advocates for structured variation within repetition to develop audiation.

• Application: Repeating patterns across different keys, meters, and tempos reinforces underlying musical relationships rather than rote memory.

8. Repetition, Novelty, and Musical CognitionMargulis, E. H. (2014). On Repeat: How Music Plays the Mind. Oxford University Press.

• Explores how repetition becomes engaging through variation and expectation.

• Application: Ear-training material benefits from repetition that includes subtle novelty, encouraging active rather than passive listening.

👉 Get the Free Supplement: https://www.uremusic.com/audiation-inner-ear-training-for-musicians

Unlock the power of your inner ear with this Reverse Listening Drill—designed for musicians ready to go beyond surface-level ear training.

In this step-by-step session, you’ll learn how to listen backwards, audiate music before you play, and build up your skills one note at a time. Each chapter guides you through practical techniques to sharpen your focus, overcome common obstacles, and develop true musical intuition.

By the end, you’ll see how reverse listening lays the groundwork for mastering two-part counterpoint—bridging ear training with advanced composition skills. Perfect for composers, performers, and anyone serious about transforming their musical understanding.

Topics Include:

00:00 Inner Ear Challenge

00:24 Why Reverse Listening

00:52 Closing the Eyes

01:01 First Forward Listening

01:10 Listening Backwards? How?

02:29 Second Forward Listening

02:48 First Retrograde Attempt

03:16 Reversal Answer

03:27 Second Retrograde Attempt

03:53 Grow One Note at a Time

04:43 Are You Stuck?

05:23 Practical Application: The Second Line

05:46 Counterpoint: The Secret

Ready to train your ear on a deeper level? Start now and take your musicianship further.

👉 https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

📚 Featured Resources

• Resource Guide → https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

• Octave Registers by Number → https://www.uremusic.com/octave-registers-by-number

• Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://www.uremusic.com/subscribe

• Amazon Bookstore → https://amzn.to/44SsSAJ

• UreMusic Homepage → https://www.uremusic.com/

🎧 Learn & Connect

• Schedule a Consultation → https://calendly.com/uremusic/consultation

• Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/c/UreMusic

• Explore Services & Products → https://linktr.ee/uremusic

🔔 Subscribe for new videos every week and start sharpening your inner ear today.

📌 Topics Covered

#Audiation #EarTraining #MusicTheory #MusicComposition

#ComposerTutorials #VoiceLeading #Counterpoint

#FormAndAnalysis #AspiringComposer #MusicEducation

📬 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the educational content flowing. Thank you!

📚 My Books on Music Composition

Available on Amazon or UreMusic: https://www.uremusic.com/books

🎼 Composition Series

• Elements of Music Composition → https://amzn.to/44O2OIi

• Music Composition Technique Builder → https://amzn.to/40FwgOa

• Technique Builder Workbook → https://amzn.to/40FwgOa

🎻 Orchestration

• The Study of Orchestration → https://amzn.to/3U0jkyI

📝 Composition Foundations

• Fundamentals of Music Composition → https://amzn.to/3H5h8Tu

📘 Music Theory

• Style and Idea → https://amzn.to/471BdVm

• Theory and Harmony → https://amzn.to/3TWT4oT

• Structural Functions of Harmony → https://amzn.to/4kZYaM6

🎵 Schenkerian Analysis

• Analysis of Tonal Music (Schenkerian Approach) → https://amzn.to/4ffGgUu

• Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis → https://amzn.to/4o6ZmQw

• Structural Hearing: Tonal Coherence in Music → https://amzn.to/4o9Rs94

🎶 Counterpoint

• The Study of Counterpoint → https://amzn.to/457BXpg

• Counterpoint (Kennan) → https://amzn.to/44TtA24

• Counterpoint in Composition → https://amzn.to/40ze6h6

📎 Bonus Reading

• Gustav Mahler: Letters to His Wife → https://amzn.to/4lU03LI

Download Your Free Resource Guide: Start your journey to better audiation and ear training today! 👉 https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

Unlock your musical mind with this powerful audiation exercise. In this short workshop, you'll experience the Reverse Memory Drill—a unique ear training technique that challenges you to hear melodies backward, forging a deeper connection with music. Whether you’re a composer, performer, or passionate listener, this exercise will transform how you process and internalize sound.

Close your eyes, listen deeply, and reclaim each note from memory. Perfect for intermediate and advanced musicians looking to strengthen their inner ear and audiation skills. Repeat as needed—each attempt builds your musical intuition.

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

📚 Featured Resources

• Resource Guide → https://www.uremusic.com/resource-guide

• Octave Registers by Number → https://www.uremusic.com/octave-registers-by-number

• Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://www.uremusic.com/subscribe

• Amazon Bookstore → https://amzn.to/44SsSAJ

• UreMusic Homepage → https://www.uremusic.com/

🎧 Learn & Connect

• Schedule a Consultation → https://calendly.com/uremusic/consultation

• Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/c/UreMusic

• Explore Services & Products → https://linktr.ee/uremusic

🔔 Subscribe for new videos every week and start sharpening your inner ear today.

📌 Topics Covered

#Audiation #EarTraining #MusicTheory #MusicComposition

#ComposerTutorials #VoiceLeading #Counterpoint

#FormAndAnalysis #AspiringComposer #MusicEducation

📬 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the educational content flowing. Thank you!

📚 My Books on Music Composition

Available on Amazon or UreMusic: https://www.uremusic.com/books

🎼 Composition Series

• Elements of Music Composition → https://amzn.to/44O2OIi

• Music Composition Technique Builder → https://amzn.to/40FwgOa

• Technique Builder Workbook → https://amzn.to/40FwgOa

🎻 Orchestration

• The Study of Orchestration → https://amzn.to/3U0jkyI

📝 Composition Foundations

• Fundamentals of Music Composition → https://amzn.to/3H5h8Tu

📘 Music Theory

• Style and Idea → https://amzn.to/471BdVm

• Theory and Harmony → https://amzn.to/3TWT4oT

• Structural Functions of Harmony → https://amzn.to/4kZYaM6

🎵 Schenkerian Analysis

• Analysis of Tonal Music (Schenkerian Approach) → https://amzn.to/4ffGgUu

• Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis → https://amzn.to/4o6ZmQw

• Structural Hearing: Tonal Coherence in Music → https://amzn.to/4o9Rs94

🎶 Counterpoint

• The Study of Counterpoint → https://amzn.to/457BXpg

• Counterpoint (Kennan) → https://amzn.to/44TtA24

• Counterpoint in Composition → https://amzn.to/40ze6h6

📎 Bonus Reading

• Gustav Mahler: Letters to His Wife → https://amzn.to/4lU03LI