veery715

Playing by ear is a wonderful skill to develop. Put on CDs of music you enjoy and play along. If you do it in private, there is no reason to worry if it doesn't sound good at first. Plug away and you will get the hang of it. I learned to do that on both the piano and guitar, and now do it the on trumpet pretty well. My classically trained professional musician sisters admire my skill at improvisation, a direct outgrowth from playing by ear, as it is something not generally taught to classical musicians.

BUT! - do not neglect studying from written music, playing scales and excercises, etc, or you may find that your technical skills and reading ability are insufficient to support your needs.


veery715,
60 and still growing musically.