Counterpoint/the art of listening

[Timmay]

How does Counterpoint work exactly? Ever since I heard about it in high school, I've wanted to learn about it, and since I'm not a music major at BGSU, they wont let me take any theory classes. If you know, would you mind explaining?

Also, you wouldn't happen to know any websites to help me with my listening skills, like being able to tell what certain notes and chords are by ear?

[Chris Cavera]

Counterpoint is when you have melodies that sound good by themselves and also sound good at the same time. They usually have independent rhythms and shapes. Sort of like chocolate and peanut butter. They're different but they taste great together. It's a complicated topic and usually reserved for advanced theory students.

JS Bach is the king of counterpoint. Check out any of his keyboard stuff. All the melodies are distinctive, but they work together to suggest harmony. Also check out "Power and Glory" by Gentle Giant for some Prog Counterpoint.

If you can record on your computer, try recording two melodies that work together, one in a low register and one in a higher register. It's tough to do but sounds cool when it works.

Here's a free ear training site you can try. Let me know how it goes:
www.good-ear.com/


-Chris

[Timmay]

thanks for thel site man. its basic, but it totally gets the job done. im going to be taking aural skills next semester, and i wanted a head start