Playing music by ear

 Playing well ultimately means playing by ear.

Adult piano students tend to rely on their visual and analytical strengths. The parts that lead to professional success. Their tactile and auditory sides are often weak.

“Tactile, what’s that?”
“Playing by ear? I’m no good. Or really?” They either have little confidence, or they are unaware of how to use this skill already in their possession.  

Piano studies are traditionally a visual study based around the authority of the text. Obedience and deference are the watchwords.

But to realize your musical dreams and reach your aspirations this side will have to be developed and refined until you can confidently rely on it. 

A classical pianist executes a game plan. Every note has been planned and rehearsed. They have tried different approaches and made their decisions. They have learned every note by heart to a point where they can play with the music. What they hear they can execute. What they hear is based on years of study, practice, transcription, coaching feedback, concert attendance, theory and history studies and lots more. 

A jazz pianist plays what they hear in their head. They never execute an idea and say, "dang, where did that come from?' No way, their minds are singing just slightly ahead of their hands. What they hear they can execute. What they hear is based on years of study, practice, transcription, coaching feedback, concert attendance, theory and history studies and lots more. 

Playing imaginatively by ear requires a rich reservoir of musical ideas and experiences.

I can get you started by helping you play by ear. 

Call me, 

David

Jamming with friends on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. 2019