Lesson 1, Group A: "The Foundation and Practice of Playing by Ear"

[katiush65]

this is great, I am actually trying to learn to read music, people think that playing by ear is a "magical gift." Maybe by some point it is. But I remember working so hard at it as a teenager, and listening to Bach chorales on cassette in the kitchen with my ear mashed against the speaker, and running to the piano, and either yes I would get it, or no I wouldnt and have to go back to the cassette... it is definitely nothing magical ;-) and *not a little* frustrating... but learnable, for sure

[joeholtsnotes]

@katiush65 Your comment is great, too :)

That nearly every toddler learns to verbally communicate before learning to read or write, simply by living in the environment where that happens should be all we need to know. Thanks!

[katiush65]

@joeholtsnotes Good point!! I do recall, before the more intensive ear training, that I got a tiny toy electric organ for Christmas when I was 7. I had no idea what it was good for and was so disappointed ;-) but I randomly started at the top note, a C, and with one finger I plunked my way down all the white keys in succession, and-- surprise, it sounded like "Joy to the World"!! Fitting song for Christmas day! THEN I got interested! but like you say that is a normal way to start ear training

[thoughtfulpianist]

@katiush65 This is interesting, as I received my second toy piano (this one with 2 octaves of real black and white keys) at 5, and remember plunking out Jingle Bells (first) with one finger. 45 years later, I’m still on that same path of growing in expression, and that’s what’s it’s about, right?

[LCOLLINSMUSIC]

This is so good. Loved the way you articulated the difference between note playing and playing by ear (my strength is the latter). You have a real teachers spirit - listening to you speak is a joy and makes the lesson easy to take in. Looking forward to learning lots.

[joeholtsnotes]

@LCOLLINSMUSIC Yay! Thanks for this encouragement. Have been knocked off the track for awhile with these, but getting it back in gear. Hopefully the next post happens next week. Let's keep sharing!

[12rosebud12]

This video is a putting christian, brotherly love into practice. Thanks for the sympathy and feeling with the accoustically blind.

[joeholtsnotes]

And thank you for the kind comment. Had to put this series on hold for a time, but am hoping to get it going again soon.

[Lot2learn]

I really like this Joe! Excellent presentation and explanation.

[davidjsparks]

Joe,

I didn't have to wait until I got home. Here i sit in a Hampton Inn in Mass listiening to your first Ear Training Video.

Tell me what you think. On the keyboard relationships and addresses seem to be visual as well as auditory. Is that right? How about feel? How does this translate to another less visual instrument i.e. trumpet? I want so badly to be able to play freely and maybe even improv a little. I suppose it would help if I had the courage to try and the discipline to practice.

[joeholtsnotes2008]

This is interesting because, as a (former) trumpet player also, I never had anywhere near the ease of improv as on the piano. Your speculation may be one of several reasons it was difficult for me. Another; on the piano there are many simultaneous opportunities for melodic movement, which fits my wandering brain well, it seems - but it's all speculation, really. As for you, in addition to courage and discipline, an accompaniment CD (like Aebersold) may help. Will send more info via e-mail.

[joeholtsnotes2008]

but - it goes without saying that much of what is shared here is still applicable.

[chocotiger]

cool, looking forward to more. i can't play anything without sheets...

[thoughtfulpianist]

These lessons are grouped into 4 categories, this being the first post of Group A: Improvisational Performance. The next 3 posts will cycle through the other topics ("Useful Theory", "Playing the Piano", "Thoughtful Interpretation") before this one returns. Hopefully you will also get something out of the others, as music making is one big integrated package. As for playing by ear, you can develop this over time with simple, small steps. Like anything else worthwhile, you have to work at it :)