Playing Piano By Ear -

Is playing piano by ear something that you should attempt to do on your own without help?

If you have a strong desire to play the piano, or any other instrument for that matter, yes, you can learn to play by ear. Many accomplished musicians never had a formal music lesson in their lives but because they are so familiar with a song they can hear it playing in their head, they are able to pick out the notes on a piano.

If you have an ‘ear’ for music, you have more than likely sat at a piano at one time or another and picked out the notes to “Mary Had A Little Lamb,” or some other simple little ditty. That is exactly what playing by ear is all about. You have heard the song so very often; you can find the corresponding keys on the piano by sound alone.

After a period of time in which you have located the notes to a certain song, you can practice them until they come to you quite easily. At this time you may wish to add a few chords to make the music sound richer and fuller. You may also at first play with your song sounding exactly like the written version, but little by little you will be able to add your own style.

Not every self-taught musician that learns to play by ear will become a famous virtuoso. Learning the basics in order to satisfy your own desire to play piano or the opportunity to play Christmas carols while the family sings along, may be all you wish to learn. The occasion may arise that after a few years of playing by ear, you may wish to take some formal lessons. Regardless of your choices, nothing will ever take away from you the joy you have experienced in learning to play piano by ear.