[apercu]

I think this is smart. I have never done ear training apps because I just don't like to learn music that way - it doesn't "stick" for me.

I like to learn in the context of a song. Here's what a melody sounds like when you start it over the 1 of a chord. Here's a melody when you start it on the 3 over a chord. But, again, in the context of a known song.

I just don't think "non-musical" exercises have ever moved me forward as a musician, if that makes sense.

[vunderba]

I’m with you. I rarely use mechanical drills, even though I recognize that they can sometimes have value (cough Hanon cough), especially when you’re focusing on ergonomics. I tend instead to focus on things my student already enjoys, because it gives them a grounding.

Another trick I like to do is take a popular song, rip out the melody, and keep the chord progression. Then I’ll usually scaffold a nice accompaniment using Band-in-a-Box so the student has something looping in the background while they try to piece out the original melody themselves on their respective instrument.

That can sometimes give them more guidance, since it locks them into a specific key signature and helps them feel the flow and explore the space.