Dear all,

I've just started learning piano through an adult piano class. So far my teacher is focusing in teaching me how to read from the sheets etc.

I wonder how do we learn to play by ear? Or will it come naturally after we mastered playing according to the sheets?

learning by ear will come naturally after alot of experience playing your instrument. I used to take classes about 10 years ago when i was in primary school, for 1/2 years , where they taught me how to read sheet music as well. But now i forgotten mostly already since i just learn songs by ear , but i do still use sheet music when composing ofcourse, just that my reading is not fluent enough to use it for playing

This post has been edited by shatehou: May 14 2015, 09:07 PM

I see.. tq

One of the most important concept which you need to master in order to play by ear is the "circle of fifth". Most classical piano teachers don't know this concept. I have once asked a friend of mine who had finish all the 8 grades of piano lessons whether she had ever heard about the circle of fifth. She said no...it was her first time hearing this phrase "circle of fifth" from me! But this concept is well known among musicians who play by ear. You can get some free lessons on play by ear at http://www.hearandplay.com/at.cgi.php?w=&p=a428385

This post has been edited by DanielW: Aug 28 2015, 05:53 PM

Cool thanks.. Need to pay wan wo the site?

This post has been edited by wkyrichie: Aug 28 2015, 10:31 PM

lol i tot this is basic thing that musicians have surely know...

There are free lessons from the site too...

Musicians who play in the band or gig will surely know..but not for most classical piano teachers...

it's just a way of rearranging the notes for easier recall.

musicians who know music theory and scales will surely hv no problem.

I give you formula to play by ear but you will think I am pulling you leg. It will not take years to learn but it will bore you to death. It is easy just play every note 1000 times. After you play the note try to remember it. Hum it out. Then say c or do or both. Remember the location on the key board. Repeat it until you get fed up. You don't need to do it 1000 times. You will eventually know when the sound is in your memory and your soul.
Move to the next note re. When you done the last of the white key (note b or ti). You should be able to play by ear. For every song you hear or sing, you should be able to identify the note and its location on the key board. It just come automatically to you because it is in your head and in your soul. This is where you already acquired the skill. Soon you can play all instrument as long as you know the position of middle c for that instrument.
I started with the harmonica (cheapest instrument). I took one month for one note. Seriously I never count how many times I played it. By the 7 months I could play any tune in my head. Then I tried to play it on the piano and there was no problem. Years later I move to guitar. Decades later I move on to chinese instrument guzheng and erhu without problems too. All you need is some time to get familiarize with the instrument.

I am surprise to hear this. Like ciwi1166 I thought this is common knowledge for experts. At least I think finishing highest grade in piano will surely know because they studied theory.

although ppl say come natural, it comes naturally with "effort". what i mean is that some people can spend 10 years playing by sheet, but when dont spend effort venturing into playing by ear, they wont know how.

Anyway, teachers seldom teach play by ear, alot develop it by performing pop songs with friends, where u need to know how to transpose keys on the spot for singer( male and female have different keys).

for now, focus on sheet as it develop your skill, while theory will give you a clear understanding of chord progression and key signatures.

cheers

Dear All,

I have a dream to learn piano. So, I've checked some digital keyboard on the market and i found out there are various type for beginner. But I didn't really know the difference of 61 keys, 31 keys and so fourth.

So, can you guys suggest me a good to learn model exist out there? And which one should i start first, 61 keys or 31 keys? My budget is around RM350

No, I know plenty of pianist who have been playing for years who can't play by ear.

I would suggest you get the 61 key keyboard, 31 is too little, you will have to change after 1 year or so if you use a 31 keys keyboard.

RM350 will get you a toy keyboard that will probably last you 3 months. Save your money and wait a littler longer to get a 61 keys keyboard in the region of about RM500.

This would be a good starting point:

YAMAHA PSR-F50 61-Key Portable Keyboard

if u interested to learn piano and not keyboard, spend 2k and get a digital piano.

korg and yamaha have entry level rm2000 digital piano, 88 keys weighted

Dont waste money on 61 keys keyboard when u want learn piano