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 able 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 P85 (less
than $1000) 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 or the CASIO PX730 or 830. Do consult with us.
We would be pleased to recommend the model that best suits your needs.
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! Ultimately, it is what you
learn during class that is more important. Usually though, students prefer to use and buy Digital Pianos, due to their functionality (e.g.
headphones usage) and practicability (different sounds e.g. E piano, organ, rhythms, etc.)
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 845pm, and 415pm for weekends. We also have lunch time slots, from 1215pm to 145pm.
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) - $140 per month (Based on 4 lessons in a month) | For Pop Piano Improvisation (P.B.E.S.
Level 2) - $160 per month (Based on 4 lesson in a month) | For Jazz Piano Improvisation (P.B.E.S Jazz) - $180 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  (SINGAPORE) - SPECIALISING IN POP PIANO & JAZZ PIANO IMPROVISATION MUSIC COURSES FOR ADULTS
ADDRESS: 245A / 245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) | TEL: +65 63387939 | EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET