Final answer:
To develop a musical ear, you can review and conduct ethnomusicological studies, examine your personal musical identity, and interact with both musicians and audiences. Identifying the pitch range of unrecognizable instruments can be done by analyzing their size and comparing them with known instruments. Additionally, playing with experienced musicians can provide practical learning opportunities and enhance listening skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
To develop your musical ear, one effective technique is to review ethnomusicological study techniques. This can help you understand how music functions in different cultures and the meanings behind various musical expressions.
Moreover, conducting ethnomusicological fieldwork will immerse you in live music experiences, allowing you to interact with musicians and audience members. Their insights can provide valuable context and enhance your aural skills by making you more aware of the nuances in music.
Reflecting on your identity as a musician, including your background, experiences with learning music, and challenges with reading music, can also aid in developing your musical ear. Questions about your connection with music and what draws you to it can deepen your understanding and improve your listening skills.
When observing musical instruments, you could determine their pitch range based on physical characteristics. Mostly, smaller instruments typically produce higher pitch sounds while larger instruments are associated with lower pitches. You can also categorize instruments using the western music classification system which includes wind, woodwind, brass, stringed, and percussion instruments.
In terms of practice, playing with accomplished musicians can offer practical learning and motivational benefits, just as language learners benefit from conversing with fluent speakers. This participatory approach can accelerate the learning process and aid in ear development.