Learn to Play the Piano by Ear with These Three Simple Steps
Reading sheet music is a valuable skill that many pianists cherish, but it’s not the only path to musical fulfilment. Some of the best pianists in history mastered the art of playing by ear, a method that offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience music.
If you think playing the piano by ear is out of reach, think again. With today’s wealth of resources—including piano lessons, YouTube tutorials, online courses, and smartphone apps—anyone can learn this skill. Here’s a step-by-step guide from Pinner Music Academy to get you started.
Step One: Deep Listening
Start by selecting a song with a memorable melody. Listen to it repeatedly, focusing on the details—the pitch, rhythm, and any changes in dynamics. Pay close attention to every nuance. Try singing or humming along with the melody until you can perform it accurately without the recording. This process helps internalise the music, making it easier to translate onto the piano.
Step Two: Find the Notes
Move to the piano and sing or hum the melody you’ve been practising. Try to find the corresponding notes on the keyboard. This stage involves some trial and error, but with patience, you’ll begin to recognise the relationship between the sounds you’re producing and the keys. Work through the song in small sections, repeating each part until you feel comfortable before advancing.
Step Three: Understand Music Theory
A fundamental understanding of music theory—such as chords, intervals, scales, and chord progressions—can greatly enhance your ability to play by ear. This knowledge allows you to identify patterns in the music, recognise intervals between notes, and distinguish different chords by their sound. For example, minor chords often evoke a sombre mood, while diminished chords can create tension.
Additional Tips: Ear Training Exercises
To further develop your ear, try this exercise: Have a friend play two notes on the piano, and guess whether the first note is higher or lower than the second. As you improve, challenge yourself by identifying intervals and chords. These exercises will sharpen your listening skills and help you recognise notes and patterns more effectively in songs.
Ready to Begin?
Start with a familiar song and gradually work your way up to new tunes. With practice and persistence, you’ll find that playing by ear becomes more intuitive and enjoyable.
Embark on this musical journey and discover the joy of playing the piano by ear. At Pinner Music Academy, we’re here to support you with personalised lessons and expert guidance. Happy playing!
