Dictation?

Can anyone explain to me what "Phrases for Dictation" and "Harmonic Dictation" might be about?

I'm reading "Fundamentals of Music" by Raymond Elliot. In each chapter he has a "Activities for Growth" section. These are worksheets, practice exercises, melodies for reading, phrases for dication, and harmonic dictation. I don't get what the exercise is supposed to be for the dictations.

Melodic dictation is when someone bangs out a tune several times with one finger at the piano and a classroom of students experiencing varying degrees of frustration and panic notate what was played on staff paper having been given only the starting note, key, and time signature.

The do-it-yourself version is to think of a tune and write it out on staff paper in a chosen key. Only check it at the piano when you think you've gotten it right.

Harmonic dictation is writing out funny chords played in confusing inversions and cadential chord progressions.

FUN, FUN, FUN

[ December 21, 2001: Message edited by: MacDuff ]

Isn't that stuff the worst? especially when it's the entire final exam which consists of 50 % OF YOUR GRADE! AGHHH! i just had that exam...i almost started crying in the middle of it, the prof. played the chords and melody so fast, it was like a big blur. i just scribbled down what i hoped was correct..ah, well, i am sure it will be good for something some day.