S2E1 Audiation Basics (Join the Hike Podcast)

Do you ever feel stuck knowing music theory but struggling to actually make music with it? In this video, I’ll show you why audiation—hearing music in your head—is the real key, how it strengthens memory and improvisation, and why relative pitch matters more than perfect pitch. Stick with me, and by the end you’ll know exactly how to turn theory into music you can hear, play, and create from the inside out.

This session explores the connection between music theory, audiation, and creative expression. While theory provides structure, true musical creativity comes from learning to hear music internally and developing a personal style. Many students mistakenly believe better music comes from theory alone, but the real breakthrough happens when theory and audiation work together.

Audiation – the internal music ear.

Audiation is the ability to “hear” music before you play or sing it. It supports ear training, memory, and improvisation, and allows you to turn written notes into sound you can carry in your mind. Just like athletes visualize movements, musicians can mentally practice music through audiation. This practice not only sharpens accuracy but also helps transform mistakes into expressive choices.

Practice for growth, not competition.

Even small, daily efforts build long-term progress. The session introduces different practice formats—from a short 7-minute daily drill to 20-minute guided lessons and weekly composing sessions—all designed to keep you consistent while improving your internal hearing. Hobbyists often see faster progress than professionals, simply because they allow more time for this slow but steady work.

Relative pitch over perfect pitch.

While perfect pitch is often glamorized, relative pitch is far more practical for most musicians. With relative pitch, you can recognize intervals, analyze melodies, and adapt quickly in real-world musical situations. The course emphasizes building relative pitch through daily audiation exercises, often starting with a single drone tone and gradually layering complexity.

Audiation is for everyone.

Beethoven’s legendary inner hearing wasn’t a “gift” limited to a few—it’s a trainable skill available to anyone. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, audiation empowers you to hear, imagine, and create music more deeply. Consistent practice, even just 10 minutes a day, can transform how you understand and perform music.

Ultimately, this session shows that audiation is the bridge between theory and creativity. With steady practice, you’ll not only understand music—you’ll hear it come alive within you.

🎧 Ear Training, Audiation & Creative Theory for Musicians | Kevin Ure 🎶

Learn music from the inside out. This channel explores ear training, music theory, and composition using audiation-based methods—designed for beginners, professionals, and even babies building tonal awareness.

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