So how can one learn how to play by ear?

For certain, you DON'T learn by ear to play by ear. It is not all about the ear. And we don't teach entirely by ear.

Sounds strange? Yes. It doesn't always work that way. We are not trying to say that we should not rely on our ears to play by ear, but rather, the
approach to learning how to play by ear can be through other means. One of which is learning how to improvise.  And the crux to improvisation is
the use of chords. Chords are the building blocks in every song, and every melody is based upon chords. If we have a great understanding in
improvising melody with chords, playing by ear becomes much easier. Thus the process of learning to play by ear, is not by listening first, but rather
through improvising.

Confused? Let's take some time to understand why should we learn to improvise in order to play by ear.

Firstly, understand that a language (for example English) is similar to music.
Learning to play by ear is
often misunderstood.
English
 Music
Writing a book
 Writing scores
Reading out loud from book
 Sight-Reading and Playing exactly from scores
Speaking to your friend in your own words
 Improvising
Listening to your friend
 Listening and Understanding a piece of music
Listening a story and repeating the same story
in your own words!
 PLAYING BY EAR!
The above chart is a perfect example to understand how music learning works. Everyone is good in English or at least another language. In a
language, you are able to 1) read, 2) write, 3) listen and 4) speak. Hence, to 'perfect' a language, you must be able to do all four.  However, some are
able to listen and speak but not able to read and write.

Let's look at 5) "Listening a story and repeating the same story in your own words!"
This process is a combination of two separate processes - Listening and Speaking.

Now recall when you were in your school days, how did you learn to listen and speak?  Do you realise both processes work hand-in- hand?  We
are always taught to listen more and to speak more.  Now imagine, if you are going to only listen, and not speak, will you learn?  The actual fact is
speaking is the best way to learn any language.  Because, when you speak, you are also listening to yourself at the same time.

Now, the same goes for music! Speaking = Improvising

The more you improvise, the better you become at listening. Hence, it will all come naturally when playing by ear.

Our school specialises in improvisation. We teach you to speak the language of music, to improvise and to play by ear.

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WHAT IS PLAY BY EAR?
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PLAY BY EAR MUSIC SCHOOL  (SINGAPORE) - SPECIALISING IN POP PIANO & JAZZ PIANO IMPROVISATION COURSES FOR ADULTS
ADDRESS: 245A / 245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) | TEL: 63387939 | EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET