FAQ
Ans: Most certainly!  Which is why we believe only in 1-to-1 teaching, as we never come across 2 students with
similar music background and interest. Since it's 1-to-1 teaching, your personal instructor will tailor the lesson to your
current abilities.  More than 60% of our students have strong background.  Some have achieved Grade 8 and
Diplomas in Classical Music while a select few even have Master's Degrees in Music. Even music teachers, who are
accomplished musicians in their own right, come to learn from us. We teach improvisation techniques that are never
taught in Classical training.
Ans: Click here
Ans: Playing by ear is never a substitute for reading music. However, we do not force those who choose not to read
musical notation. There are countless musicians who can play very well but are unable to read. Yes, music theory will
be taught, but only the necessary theory to get you playing and improvising.
Ans: No, it is DEFINITELY not all about hearing! The fact is most of it is about learning how to improvise first. There
are certain principles of chord progression that govern all songs. You will also learn to improvise using rhythmic and
harmonic patterns that can develop your own unique style of playing. With some guidance in ear training and 'song
catching', you can actually guess your way through most songs that exist today. Click here to understand what play
by ear is.
Ans: We emphasise and teach improvisation techniques and skills. Although reading notation is important, we will
never encourage our students to read and interpret pre-arranged musical scores for both hands note for note. Pop
musicians normally rely on 'fake' books, which consist of scores containing only the lead melody and the chords. Our
method of teaching will eventually allow students to play any song from fake books or any chord progressions
(comping style). Or rather, we train you to be a musician rather than just a player.
Ans: We teach songs from all genres, including Pop hits, Jazz favourites, Chinese Pop, English pop songs, oldies,
Chinese oldies/radio hits, EXCEPT Classical songs. You will decide what song you want to learn, provided your
instructor feels the song is within your playing capability.
Ans: Yes, certainly. We have instructors that specialise in preparing students to play in a church band setting, or as a
solo player. Check out a cool video we did, click here. We picked 10 hymns in random, and jazzed it up.
Ans: We can definitely be flexible and replace your lesson(s) on other days, provided there are available slots.
However, we will encourage our students to have their lessons regularly. As long as 3 working days' notice is given,
we are able to postpone your class. However, you are only allow to postpone or make any changes to your regular
lessons only ONCE in a month.
Ans: We are very proud to say that all of our students benefited from our course. And many of those who have
learned from us for a reasonable period of time are able to play by ear and improvise already. We dare say our
teaching is very well-received!
Ans: Any keyboard with at least 61 keys should do just fine. Preferably it should be connected to a sustain pedal. We
WILL recommend you to get a 88 keys heavy weighted keyboards though. The CASIO CDP 100 (less than $700),
KORG LP350 ($1280) or YAMAHA P95 are recommended for a good start. Come to our showroom and try all the
different digital pianos yourself. If you have a larger budget, you may consider a higher model digital piano like the
Yamaha Clavinova CLP series
Frequently Asked Questions
4) I have some background.
Can I skip some of the things
I already know?
4) What is the difference
between Pop Piano, Digital
Piano, Digital Keyboard,
Classical Piano, Pop
Keyboard?
2) Do I learn Pop Piano on
the keyboard or on a real
Piano?
Ans: We use mainly Digital Pianos (Yamaha Clavinovas) for functionality and educational purpose. However, it doesn't
really matter which instrument to use. If you have an acoustic piano (etc, a upright piano or even a grand piano),
that's absolutely fine! It is the proper playing techniques that you learn from us that is more important. Usually
though, students prefer to use Digital Pianos due to their functionality.
5) I have NO background.
Can I learn?
Ans: Most certainly too! And that's what stopping many people from learning Piano, because they simply have the
misconception that you can only learn Piano if you are still young like a kid. Everybody has to start somewhere,
whether young or old. If you are a total beginner, you will learn about the necessary contemporary music theory to
get you started quickly. In a few months' time, with some amount of effort and practise, you should be able to play a
simple tune, with 2 hands, from a simple fake sheet.
1) How fast can I complete
the course, or how soon will
I be able to play?
Ans: This is the most FREQUENTLY asked question, and also the
most difficult to answer!  :/  Firstly, the entire course is
on-going, from PBES Level 1 to Level 4. Secondly, it is very
difficult to define the term, 'be able to play'. And besides it really
depends on your current music background. On average, a
student with Grade 8 Classical would  take about 2-3 years of
training to reach to the standard of a 'lounge player'.  Or, a
student with ZERO background, on average, takes about 1-6
months to be able to play reasonable tunes with 2 hands from
easy fake sheets. Then again, the situation is similar to going to
a slimming center and asking them how fast can I be slim?
Every one is different, and often produces different results. More
over, music is an Art. We have seen many students who can
'play' in just one month, while others take six months. Let's just
safely say that, to achieve something fast (be able to play) is
possible within a couple of months, but the journey can be long.
Practise makes perfect. If you are willing to practise even
30mins every day, it is quite likely you will be able to 'play'
within a month, even.
3) Which course should I
take?
Ans: Click here
3) Do I need to have a Piano
at home if I learn at your
school?
Ans: Preferably. If you have a very super tight budget, come to our school and use our facilities for FREE. If your
budget is limited, buy a basic keyboard like a CASIO keyboard. It's great for a start, and it's cheap, like the CDP100.
The keyboard should last you for quite some time.  Of course, if you have no budget restraints whatsoever, then get
yourself a higher range Digital Piano.
6) Do I still need to read to
learn your course?
2) What do you mean by Play
By Ear? Do I learn by ear?
1) What's the difference
between your course and
others?
5) Do you have group
classes?
Ans: No. All our classes are private 1-to-1 sessions. We have group workshops, but the lesson plans are designed as
"one-off". For on-going lessons, we usually recommend 1-to-1. From our experiences (for years), we seriously
believe that group "on-going" lessons will not work out, especially for contemporary piano (Pop & Jazz Piano)
7) I have some classical
training. Will it affect my
progress when I learn Pop
Piano?
Ans: If you have taken up classical piano before, playing by ear(pop piano) will make you understand what you
have been playing over the years of your classical training. And NO, it will definitely not conflict with your classical
playing.  Neither will it put your classical skills to waste. It's like learning how to ice skate and learning how to roller
blade. They are separate skills that benefit each other. Regardless of whatever style you play (pop or classical), the
musical notes, techniques, fingerings, etc.. will still be the same. It's ultimately still music!
8) If I learn Pop Piano, will I
be able to play Classical
Piano in future? (and vice
versa)
Ans: Firstly, you have to understand that Pop Piano will definitely not conflict with your classical playing. Pop Piano
playing is a different style, but you will still be learning the fundamentals of Piano playing. It's like learning how to
ice skate and learning how to roller blade. When you know how to skate, will you know how to blade? In a way, yes.
But you may have to pick up the 'remaining' skills required for blading. Regardless of whatever style you play (pop
or classical), the musical notes, techniques, fingerings, etc.. will still be the same. It's ultimately still music!
2) What songs do you teach?
9) Am I too old to learn? Or
am I the oldest?
Ans: In case you are wondering, our oldest student is in her 70s. But anyway, our school is meant for adults and
matured teenagers. Children are only accepted if they are found suitable.
4) I am a working adult, do
you have weekday night
slots?
Ans: Yes, certainly. Most of our students are working adults anyway, thus making the weekday evenings and
weekends the Peak Hour Timings. Our last slot for weekday nights is 830pm, and 415pm for weekends.
3) I play for my church. Do
you teach Worship songs?
3) My working schedule is
quite busy. Can you be
flexible?
10) What is your success
rate in training your
students?
1) Do I need an Electronic
Piano to start with?
Ans: The duration of each lesson is 45 minutes.  The P.B.E.S Level 1 takes about 3months to complete. The P.B.E.S
Level 2, 3 & 4 takes about 4months to 12months to complete for each level. There is no fixed duration for each level
though, thus the entire course is always on-going. Students who have completed Level 4 can move on to Jazz Piano
Improvisation course.  
4) How long does the course
last?
Ans: We started in 2003 with a humble beginning, with our first publication of 'HOW TO PLAY POP PIANO BY EAR'. We
are arguably one of the fastest growing contemporary music school in Singapore.
1) How long has Play by Ear
been around?
Ans: For Pop Piano Beginners (P.B.E.S Level 1) - $160 per month (Based on 4 lessons in a month) | For Pop Piano
Improvisation (P.B.E.S. Level 2) - $176 per month (Based on 4 lesson in a month) | For Jazz Piano Improvisation
(P.B.E.S Jazz) - $188 per month (Based on 4 lessons in a month) There is a one time $20 registration fee and a $100
refundable deposit required. The deposit is refundable only upon termination, with a one-month advance notice to the
school.
7) How much are your fees?
Ans: Please call us @ 63387939 for the latest available timings as these are subject to frequent changes on a daily
basis! Even better, let us know your preferred timings (e.g. weekday nights, or weekend only, or afternoons only)
and we'll try our best to find you a suitable slot.
Ans: Certificates, unfortunately, do not necessarily equate to playing & teaching ability. Our PBE instructors have the
necessary certificates (e.g. Dip, or Grade 8), but most importantly they are or were working musicians in the local
music industry for years. Visit us to witness first-hand the wealth of experience, flair and versatility our instructors
possess in performing and teaching.  It is testament to our abilities that pianists with a plethora of musical
qualifications - classical grade 8 certificates, diplomas and degrees, jazz diplomas and degrees - learn from us.  And
through us, many a music enthusiast without musical background have become competent musicians.  
6) What are your available
slots?
2) What are your teachers'
qualifications?
1) How do I enrol for a
course in your school?
Ans: Enrolling for the course of your choice can only be done by registering in person at our school.  We welcome all
email and phone enquiries about our courses but regret that securing your preferred lesson timing is only possible
after completing the registration process at our school.
2) What are your opening
hours?
Ans: We are open 7 days in a week! Our operating hours are as follows: Monday - Friday: 1130 am - 915 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm.
Personal Concerns
Administrative Matters
About Our School
Ans: Yes, a certificate of completion will be given for every P.B.E.S Level completed.
5) Do I get a certificate at
the end of the course?
Course Content & Structure
About Musical Equipment
Title: FAQ (How long do I need to be able to
'play'?) PBE video duration: 57 secs
PLAY BY EAR MUSIC SCHOOL -  POP PIANO/JAZZ PIANO IMPROVISATION MUSIC COURSES FOR ADULTS  -  SALE OF DIGITAL PIANOS & BOOKS
ADDRESS: 245A /245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) |  TEL: ( +065 ) 63387939 |  EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET