Playing Piano By Ear

Do you ever watch musicians in jazz clubs? Piano players are the most awesome to behold. They seem to just pick up and play songs they have never heard before that night. Many individuals can do this. No matter their instrument, they can listen to a song once and play it without hesitation and error free. The rest of us need music, carefully written keys, notes and time signatures as a guide. Perhaps we have neglected our own improvisational education. This article is to aid others in avoiding the same mistakes.

It is possible to learn the piano by playing by ear, although it is not a common method. To learn piano is to learn to read music simultaneously, is the most common method. This is a talent honed by many years of practice, reading music, listening, and imitating that most professional musicians can play by ear, no matter how they originally learned to play. For some individuals, playing by ear in an inborn talent and gift that come to them naturally, for instance, Mozart composed and played many complicated compositions as a child before he ever saw sheet music.

Do not fool yourself into thinking you would not need to learn to read music to activate this talent within yourself. Nothing is further than the truth. If you want to be a good musician, perhaps even going professional this is a necessary skill. You have access to every great piece of music ever written when you can read music. There is no need to hear it to be able to play it. You improve your overall musicianship, when you learn to read music and play the piano as you gain better hand to eye coordination. When you learn to play the piano by reading music, you will recognize the notes, and this will give you an idea of what the music sounds like. When you read music, you unconsciously learn to play by ear. While you concentrate on learning to play by ear, you are able to translate a piece of written music, as you need to.

Reading music is an essential while generally beginning piano instruction includes learning to read music. You have all the basics required to learn to play by ear. For the majority without a good understanding of music theory and good techniques learning to play by ear can be difficult. Invest some of your time in practicing your positions and scales. These techniques should be part of every practice session as they build good habits while training your ear. With practice we all gain skills.

After reaching intermediate level, you may wish to search for a skilled teacher with a talent for teaching the art of playing by ear. This helps you to revise your abilities. You can learn the tricks of listening that aid you in picking out the chord progressions that form the basis of any piano work. Generally, this skill accompanies regular music-related teachings.

No matter your reason for wanting to play, it is best to be able to read music and play by ear. It is never too late to begin training yourself in either technique. You will find that there are computer-based courses online that teach these musical skills. Begin today, start learning and enjoy yourself as you learn.

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of MusicianHome.com, a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development.