EarMaster - Music Theory Reviews

by Jonthanrs

I teach a lot of piano students (currently remotely) and thought EarMaster would be a great supplement to the theory assignments I already give. I was seriously considering purchasing EarMaster but thought I should try it out myself. Well, I didn’t get far because I couldn’t pass the simple rhythm test in thr first module!

I tried clapping to no avail. When I went back to listen to what I clapped, I heard only one of the four notes I clapped. So I tried tapping on the side, on the screen, nothing helped. I carefully waited for the four lead-in metronome clicks and then for four example claps, and started on the next metronome click after the claps.

And it won’t let me even advance to the next elementary level.

Any explanation or advice? I tried with headphones (Bluetooth and wired) and without headphones. I am sitting in an absolutely quiet room.

by Contrapuntalisto

1. I own the PC/Mac version and you can create your own custom chords like polychords, tone clusters, random quintal quartal chords, and atonal stuff, however you want it, that’s one of the main reason I use EarMaster, is the flexibility that on other app has. But that feature is not available on the Ipad version. I bought a ipad pro thinking that i can use it to train my ear wherever I go. I would totally pay some bucks to get that feature tho.

2. In this app 6, the entire piano keyboard is shown, but for some reason, in this app 7, the developers decided to only show the keyboard partially, and if you do chords and intervals that span over a few octaves, you have to constantly browse back and forth to input the answers, WHY?

It’s only a downgrade from this app 6. Now it’s still the best ear training app on the market, but it’s not as good of a experience compared to the previous version.

by Ignored%#"!";

There a number of other ear training apps available. At these prices I would rather pay a music teacher or take an online class. Paying $12 per section is outrageous. It would be cheaper to take a college course.

by Courtdagamer

So I have the ONE MAJOR problem that’s it! So I’m a middle schooler and I’m required to use part of your program for class. Our teacher tells us that EarMaster and the part we are using should be 100% FREE. We are currently working on intervals. It just irritates me that I can access this part online put not in EarMaster . Otherwise pretty good app!

by Minhmge

I have just reset my IPad then install EarMaster again, but it not available the General Workshop that I’ve already before???

by Toomuchsurfing

This has been a wonderful app. However there is no audio connection with my hearing aids. Of course, it runs find through the speaker. With other music training apps I've had no problems of this nature. Please find a way to fix this problem.
I'll be forever thankful!

by Norm Chaser

I would give this five stars if, on the teacher’s end, EM allowed tonic six-four chords, especially at cadences. I suppose it would also be nice to have a couple more options: 1) the ability to specify all inversions for user-defined chord progressions, and 2) a module that allowed students to identify soprano and bass factors in chord progressions. Other than those concerns, it’s a 5 in my book!

by Shifting Dogs For The Win

Great, but I hate how landscape mode is forced on iPhone. Feels like you just made and iPad version without the iPhone in mind. Please add this feature. I would use EarMaster way more and would be willing to using the subscription service if you did this.

by Birkabu

It’s an extremely useful app, I can see an obvious improvement after about three weeks of using it. I’m currently using the exercises (after purchasing the bundle). It’s really worth the money imho. One thing I’ve noticed though that I didn’t like so far is in the Chord inversions exercise when I make a mistake whether it was an augmented chord and not a diminished one, it logically should show the difference between the different chord types for the SAME key in my opinion and not based on the first note you hear. Or is there some kind of a setting where this can be changed?
Otherwise, so far, I’m a very happy user. I use it daily for 45-60 minutes doing two rounds of each exercise type in my current exercise set.

by EnriqueCT

Could not have imagined something like this existed! I wish I had discovered it 10yrs ago

by Joe DeC

this app is not just for the youth and teens, but I love it and I am an older adult just now getting into music. I have a lot of catching up to do and this app has tons of lessons designed to give users a thorough background from the basics on up. And all this for a nominal cost. Additionally, on occasion I have some technical, music-related questions and each time I have asked about something, I got a prompt and thorough response. I have much respect for EarMaster and the people who put it together as well as what it can do to help others to become more musically talented. Hope this is helpful. Take care...

by StrongLiang

Been a happy customer for many years. The best out there. You get what you pay for.

by Pernikoff

This is the best ear training app/course/teacher I've ever had. It allows you to go at your pace and measure your progress.

by Draco2023a

Absolutely the best app of its kind. It may seem a little pricey at first glance, but it is worth every penny and nothing will give you the results this will.

by Jazzaspire

I’d welcome a jazz blog wherein one could gather a feeling of how long it typically takes to master various jazz ear training exercises. Admittedly it takes me forever to master jazz chords and clap back rhythm exercises. Just wondering how others experience theses ear training jazz exercises. David

by YS12015r

I love EarMaster. I use it every morning to keep my own ears aligned, and use it on easier settings with my students to introduce them to the idea of ear training. At first they are skeptical, but now they request to do ear training with EarMaster! Very easy to use and navigate.

by Jxclark

I am really enjoying EarMaster. It has helped me identify some gaps I have and provided me with a more deliberate way to improve my ear. I like the variety of options: intervals (melodic up and down, harmonic), chord identification, chord progressions, rhythm, melodic dictation, etc.

EarMaster provides me two major benefits:
1. It will (hopefully) turn my pretty good ear into a great ear.
2. It is helping me get some structured ideas of how to teach ear training to my piano students. (Something I have struggled with for a long time)

It has definitely been worth the cost so far. Once I master the General Workshop exercises I will definitely be buying the Jazz Workshop.

by MKR302

What separates this app from the rest is the fact that it has a bass fretboard. Most of the other apps use a keyboard. When you get to the melodic dictation as a bass player, I spend most of my time searching for the correct note. this app has made this easy. I travel for a living and I spend hours sitting in airports playing with this app on my iPad. this app has become part of my travel ritual.

by Qndrez

I’ve tried a handful of ear training apps, and this one is by far the best. Its also the most expensive, but worth the coin in my opinion. I never felt like I really learned much in the other apps. With Ear Master the exercises are much richer, and therefore closer to real music making. Don’t waste your time, just get the best.

My only complaint is that it can be a bit buggy. Sometimes I’ll load up an exercise and the UI will crash.

by Kloveswjw

I love EarMaster but the problem is some of the notes are too high or too low to sing when you match it with your voice which can cause vocal strain

by FrankDonovan9

Not only is EarMaster comprehensive from an advanced perspective, it is also great for beginners. I would give it five and a half stars if I could.