Basics of Ear Training, Grade 9-10 ARCT: Book

Students in grades 9-10 preparing for ARCT (Advanced Rudiments and Composition Test) examinations need systematic, concentrated ear training practice. This workbook serves pianists and other musicians pursuing Royal Conservatory certification or equivalent advanced music theory credentials.

• Use the daily exercises as a warm-up before rehearsal or sectionals rather than assigning them as homework; this keeps the routine consistent and observable
• Rotate which students lead ear training activities in sectionals to build confidence and peer accountability
• Review the complete tests as a full group first before asking students to work individually, so they understand the expectations

Assign one week's worth of exercises (five days) during your regular lesson cycle, rotating through this grade level over multiple weeks. Use the complete tests as benchmarks to assess readiness for actual ARCT examination listening components.

• Interval identification (ascending and descending)
• Chord quality recognition (major, minor, diminished, augmented)
• Melodic dictation in major and minor keys
• Harmonic progression listening and analysis
• Rhythm notation from aural stimulus
• Scale and mode identification by ear