Aural awareness is such an integral part of a musician's ability to learn and interpret music, with or without notation. Developing memory skills is paramount when practising new pieces of music and although this is only one aspect of many that come together when interpreting, it is extremely important.
Aural training (or memory training) are a requirement for grade examinations at all levels.
In grade examinations, the examiners will play extracts of music then ask questions on its construction such as simply remembering where the music was loud or soft, whether it was played smoothly or detached.
This is followed by more advanced questioning such as:
- Recognising cadences
- Modulations from one key to another
- Rhythmic devices
- Phrase lengths
- Sequential similarities within a certain section of music
- Naming a time period or possible composer after hearing the Examiner perform a short extract
Being able to sing lower and upper parts of an extract as well as complete short phrases are also required.
Having said all this, learning a new piece of music requires oral awareness to retain a memory of what was heard, so when repeated, this assuredness if affirmed from the memory as well as having the notation to back it up.
The point is determine that what is heard is what is written.