Practice Tip 10: Ear Training
What is the best way to learn to play by ear? Are some people naturally able to do this? What can you do to be able to play be ear?
Purchase “Ear Train” note cards and prints HERE. Note that writing is on back of card leaving inside blank. The writing on the back of these note cards say:
Train Your Ear:
1. With Intentional Listening.
2. Mimic (copy cat) what you hear
3. Play it in different keys.
I have listened to many years of classical and jazz music lessons. I also took a short stint of guitar lessons myself when I was young. Never have I heard a teacher instruct anyone to play songs solely by ear. Suzuki and other classical training methods, might teach students to listen, play by ear, and to memorize songs, but not specifically to listen to music on their own and pick the notes off a recording to learn. I have recently heard of some teachers adding this to their teaching. Honestly, I do think that it comes naturally to some people. But most probably have to work at it. If you listen to a lot of music and try to repeat it on your instrument, it might be very hard, but if you keep working at it it becomes easier. And of course if you know music theory, such as scales and arpeggios, you have certain note patterns memorized and it becomes still more doable. So listen to a whole lot of music with all of your attention. Try to copy cat it. It can be a fun game once it gets a little easier. After that you can try play along with it harmonizing… Since I haven’t done this since I was in high school (and I’m now considered “old”), I would love input on your experiences with this. Write in the comments below.