Music theory explained

1. Listen to the dictation and identify its meter, noting the time signature in the musical notation.  
2. If you’re unsure of the key of a musical phrase, try identifying it by finding the tonic (the most stable first degree) and determining whether the mode is major or minor.  
3. Determine the key, locate its elements on the keyboard, and sing them.  
4. Listen to the dictation again and identify the starting note or degree within the key.  
5. Count the number of measures by recognizing the strong beats.  
6. Pay attention to moments of exact or varied melodic and rhythmic repetition.  
7. Continue listening to the dictation until all measures are filled with notes.  
8. Check your work by comparing it with the provided Answer.  

Tip: After writing down and verifying a dictation, play it on the keyboard and transpose it into other keys using the circle of fifths.  

You can also create your own version of the melody, harmonize or re-harmonize it, and experiment with different textures. This approach will significantly enhance your musical creativity.