Lemoine Estelle Huet - Des Oreilles Magiques - Violoncelle & Piano

Summary of This Method

"Des oreilles magiques" ("Magic Ears") gathers ear training games designed for the first five minutes of the cello lesson, a short but structuring moment where the student refocuses, sharpens their listening, and explores the instrument differently. Designed for cello teachers seeking immediately applicable tools, this method offers a simple pedagogical routine to implement, while renewing the energy of the lesson through an experimental and lively approach.

Its major feature is orality: the student never sees the material. This deliberate constraint develops attention, auditory memory, and responsiveness by placing listening at the center of the musical gesture. The games then become a natural training ground for intonation, pitch perception, motif reproduction, anticipation, and musical understanding, without slipping into "academic" work detached from the instrument.

Learning through play allows technical and musical points to be addressed in a new, often less intimidating context, fostering engagement and consistency. The method also emphasizes a strong connection with singing, used as a central tool: the student is encouraged to sing to build inner singing, better hear before playing, and consolidate the essential auditory landmarks for the cellist.

The progression is described as "unlimited": most games come in several levels to adapt to each student's pace, from beginner to advanced. A final, intentionally humorous level highlights the idea that the ear is trained throughout life. Awarded in 2018 with the Prix de l'Enseignement Musical from the CEMF, this method has also been praised by the press for its playful and unexpected way of introducing the lesson.

Technical specifications

Publication

Methods

Artist	Estelle Huet	Language	French
Instrumentation	cello	Difficulty	all levels
Genre	pedagogical method, ear training