Wanting to Play Music By Ear? Here Are a Few Important Tips You Should Know

If there is one skill that every great musician should have, it is the ability to play music by ear. While some people can pick up on this easier than others, it does require a bit of time and practice, just like anything else. Playing by ear simply means that you are playing what you hear, whether that is matching pitch for a vocal piece or being able to play back what you have just heard on your own instrument.

Interested in honing this skill? Keep reading to learn more!

Why You Should Learn

The first question that you might ask yourself is ‘why do I need to learn to play by ear in the first place?’. The answer is simple: to be a better musician. So whether you are currently taking online music lessons or have been playing music for a very long time, knowing how to play music by ear elevates you to the next level. This allows you to break out from the mold of sheet music and begin to make something that is truly unique.

Tips to Learning

Approaching a new skill is never easy, and requires some preparation beforehand. We have a few tips that could help you get a leg up on this endeavor!

Tip #1: Listen and Pay Attention

While this step might seem glaringly obvious, it should not be skipped! Start by listening to a song you really like and listening to it on repeat. Focus on either the vocals or whatever instrument you play. Memorize how it sounds and feels, as this will help expedite the learning by ear process.

Tip #2: Start with the First Note

There is an old adage that says you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time, and this sentiment is true when it comes to learning to play by ear. Start with the first note of the song. Even if you have to play or sing every note on the scale to find it, that’s okay! But finding the first note will lay the groundwork for the rest of the song.

Tip #3: Note by Note Process

From there, take the song note by note. Don’t try to rush ahead or take on too much at once. If it helps, draw the note, write it down, and keep going. This process will get easier and more natural with time, but don’t be afraid of the hiccups along the way! In fact, learning from these types of mistakes will be just as important as anything else.

Tip #4: Practice Makes Perfect

As we are sure that you have learned while taking your online music lessons, practice is the key to getting better. It doesn’t matter what it is: painting, basketball, underwater basket weaving, music - taking the time to practice and hone your skill is the only true way to see improvement. It is important to be patient with yourself, as Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was a superstar musician!