Learning by ear or by rote?
In my last post, I discussed playing by ear versus playing by test. This post is the difference between learning by ear or by rote. There are programs where you use neither of these techniques to learn, and some who claim to use one, but is actually using the other. Learning by ear requires training the student to hear a melody, rhythm or chord pattern, and then be able to play it back with reasonable accuracy. Many instrument training courses now come with a CD, so the stud
Playing by ear or by test?
Over my thirty years of teaching, I have had parents approach me and say, usually with pride, "my child plays by ear." When the child sits down to play for me, I find out he/she is NOT playing by ear, but by test. What is the difference? When you play by ear, you should be able to go to the instrument, and on your first try, be able to play either exactly or reasonably close to accurately what you have just heard or memorized. Mozart reputedly could do this from a young age
