Should you play by ear?

Filed in Music Philosophy on December 10, 2008



All of us know people that could play beautifully by ear practically from birth.  We envy those people.  However, my story is a bit different.

I grew up in studying music in the traditional way.  I studied classical music through college and picked up some church music experience along the way.  I never even thought about playing by ear except for picking out a melody every now and then.

After college, I started playing by ear, and today, I tend to play almost entirely without music.  In fact, about the only time I actually read music anymore is when accompanying in a church setting. 

So, I am an example of a person who did not naturally play by ear but was able to learn.  If I could learn to play by ear, I tend to believe about anyone could. 

I think most people tend to believe that playing by ear is a skill you are either born with or are out of luck.  As a result, most pianists never really even try.  If you find yourself in that category, let me encourage you to change your mind and put some effort into learning this skill.

It seems that people that play by ear like to take shots at those who can only read.  Those that read tend to look at those that play by ear as not "real" pianists.  Both attitudes are wrong.  The reality is that both skills are important.

In fact, I will go so far to say this.  Practically every great pianist can play both by ear and by reading, and so should you.  Church musicians especially need to have both skills.

Here is a thought for parents.  If you have a child that plays by ear, don't discourage that and don't let his/her teacher discourage it.  If the teacher cannot see the value in playing by ear, it is probably time for a new teacher.  That is not to say that you should let the child cheat on learning to read by relying on their ear too much.  My daughter plays the violin very well by ear, and I do everything I can to keep her doing so, but I do have to work hard to make sure she is actually learning to read music.

I should mention that optimally, you want to go a step beyond either playing by ear or by reading music.  The best musicians play based on an understanding of how music works.  For example, they know what notes sound good in which chords and how the chords should be voiced.  I do not understand music as well as many pianists, but when I play, I play with a combination of playing by ear and playing by musical rules that I know work and sound good.

 



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Sherrie Cook
12/16/2008 11:13:32 AM

My daughter's teacher is against playing by ear. It is almost like she is biased against it. I have wondered many times what I should do.

How do you find a teacher that respects both approaches?

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Greg Howlett
12/16/2008 11:21:40 AM

Sherrie, finding the right teacher is difficult. With my son, a pianist, I looked for a teacher who was classically trained but also plays professionally outside that genre.

Look for someone that has an open mind. Unfortunately, there is a lot of bias among many music teachers. Many do reject any music that is not classical and think that improvisation is not a skill worth having. Because teachers tend to be opinionated, a few subtle questions will give you all the information you need.

Also, if you want your child to learn improvisation, look for a teacher than can improvise. Sounds simple, but it is important. I think a classically-oriented teacher can teach well without being able to play well. i am not sure the same is true for teaching improvisation.

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chris
1/5/2009 2:27:37 AM

I only Play by ear. Both Piano and Guitar. It was just something that i seemed to be able to do, BUT it does limit me somewhat. I've always took great satisfaction from the fact i am able to teach myself music by ear, even though i can't read a stroke of music but i do envy people who can just pick up a piece of sheet music and play it by reading it. I have to sit and listen to a piece over, for quite a few times then gradually piece it all together. I actually get work playing Piano for Hotels etc even though i am not formally trained, but it doesn't seem to matter. They still ask me back to play again. However, i'm now 27 and really wish i went for lessons when i was younger because i would love to learn to read, but i'm sure at one point i will, Just haven't got around to it.
I have nothing but respect for people who can read.

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