So you may have heard someone say it, Learning piano by ear, but what does that mean exactly?

There are different understandings about the term. So in this article I will explain the different between l earning by notation (sheet music) and learning by ear. This article will give you a clear understanding of the differences between learning piano by notation or by ear and also help you decide which method is best for you.

Perfect Pitch or Relative Pitch

When you can listen to a song and begin to reproduce what you hear that is the menaing of learning by ear.  This may take longer for beginners then more experienced piano players.

There are two terms used when describing players who learn by ear. They are perfect and relative pitch.

If you have relative pitch then you are able to detect the pattern being played and figure it out but you can not hear exactly what key the song is being played in. You’re ear is tuned towards hearing the pattern more so than the key.

If you have perfect pitch you’re able to pick out the exact key the song is being played in. More often you’ll see someone with relative pitch.

Learning Piano by Notation

The alternative to learning piano by ear is to learn by theory, notation and sheet music. The argument goes that those who learn by ear can only play from memory and those who learn by notation can only play from sheet music.

In reality the best situation is to ensure you learn a combination of the two methods. This way you’re well rounded and have the ability to pick songs out that you hear and reproduce them but also sit down and play from sheet music if the situation demands it.

The majority of Most self study programs and private instructors will spend time teaching you the basics of notation and theory as well as how to play by ear. Since each is a very specific skill practicing both is important.

If you’re not committed to private beginner piano lessons why not consider a learn piano dvd? DVD courses are becoming the best method for busy adults to learn piano and other instruments during a busy schedule.

How to play piano by ear

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