Harmonic Dictation in Four Parts
Grab some blank staff paper (get some here - http://jlamusic.com/Learn/staffpaper/staffpaper.html) and create a blank a grand staff for each of the following examples. (Get a PDF of the examples below already created for you here: blank PDF staff paper.) The starting notes (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), clef, time and key signatures are provided for you. Write out the soprano and bass parts only, and fill in the Roman numerals. Play the audio clips as many times as you wish (the standard number for most tests is four) and check your work by clicking on the answer link.
I have provided a number of different audio clips so that you can hear each part separately or together. This will hopefully give you a way to get used to how each part sounds by itself before you test your ears on distinguishing between the soprano and bass parts while tuning out the inner alto and tenor parts. This is a challenging skill that may be quite difficult at first, but with practice gets better.
Real tests do not provide the parts separately like I have here. For the genuine test, you must develop your ear so that you can listen to all of the parts at the same time, while distinguishing between the soprano and bass lines so that you can transcribe them (write them down).
This is one of the most challenging skills involved in listening and transcribing. Don't get discouraged! It may take some hard work but your skill will develop. Good luck!
Example 1 - diatonic root position triads only
All four parts
Soprano only
Bass only
Soprano and bass only
Example 2 - diatonic triads in root position, first and second inversion, V7
All four parts
Soprano only
Bass only
Soprano and bass only
Example 3 - starts on iv, diatonic triads/seventh chords, root position and inversions
All four parts
Soprano only
Bass only
Soprano and bass only
Example 4 - starts on IV, diatonic triads/seventh chords, root position, inversions, secondary dominant
All four parts
Soprano only
Bass only
Soprano and bass only
Example 5 - all diatonic triads, one inversion
All four parts
Soprano only
Bass only
Soprano and bass only
Example 6 - all diatonic triads, pedal six-four progression
All four parts
Soprano only
Bass only
Soprano and bass only