What is the optimal amount of Ear training per day/week?

[SilentK]

Ear training seems to be as much about "brain training" as it is about the ear. Are there any scientific studies as to the optimal amount of training per day, or per week? When I was in college I knew some music students, and they said they practiced about 4 hours per day! I could not spend more than an hour per day at the MOST, due to other commitments, but even if I had the time, there is no way I could do that much per day--I had trouble doing even one hour per day!

For the first week I had the software, I did about an hour a day--I would get mentally tired after that, that was the absolute most I could do. but yesterday I did not do Earmaster AT ALL--it was like my mind was a bit burned out, and needed a rest. Today I did about 30 minutes, and was starting to feel mentally tired, so I stopped then. I have only had the software about 10 days, I want to make sure I keep motivated and don't burn out or get discouraged.

I realize that learning music is a lifelong process (even Keith Jarrett still practices piano every day!), so I want to make sure I don't burn out, and that I try to do the optimal amount.

Has anyone got any advice, especially from any studies on learning?

Is there such a thing as too much ear training? And is it better to practice every day (the same amount), or is there a better schedule, like longer some days and shorter on others?

I know that runners preparing for a marathon do different amounts of running each day, and take some days off. No idea what the best way to train your musical ear is.

My gut instinct is to try for about 30 minutes per day, and take one day off per week, just to make sure I don't burn out. But I am just guessing.

I guess I am trying to balance my eagerness to learn and improve, with the need to avoid burning out or overdoing it.

Now that the New Year is coming, I am sure many will say "Ok, I will really get fit this year" and exercise A LOT for about a month, then give up. I want to be the person who can look back a year from now and say I have really improved, and progressed as much as my aptitude allows.

I guess at my age (33) having played guitar for almost 20 years, I don't want to waste time, and I believe this software has the potential to really advance my ability, if I put in the time and effort, and use it properly. Would love to hear any knowledge on the subject.

[Quentin]

Hi,
Most scholars would recommend an ammount of 10 to 30 minutes a day. After that you get tired and it becomes more and more a guessing game in a sense.

If you want to do more, you'll have to listen to some music after the first 20 minutes in order to "reset" your ears and start "from fresh".

I don't understand your friends practiced 4 hours a day. It seems a lot! I'm not sure it can really have a positive effect in the length. People with a similar expirience are welcome to post and share their meaning!

[SilentK]

Thanks, I have been doing Earmaster about 30 minutes a day, a combination of the Tutor exercises and my Custom exercises. I thought I was just getting mentally tired after 30 minutes because I am not especially talented/gifted at music. But apparently I am not alone!

I guess there is no advantage to taking one day off per week (like not using it all on Sunday, but doing it the other 6 days of the week)?

I will try to keep my daily use to about a 20-30 minute session.

When I said I knew people (music majors at the college I attended) who practiced 4 hours per day, they were practicing their INSTRUMENT (piano, trumpet, etc.) for 4 hours, not strictly ear training. So they would spend one hour playing scales, one hour practicing a new song, etc.. I am not sure how much time they spent purely on "ear training" alone.