Marsha Medley

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Learning by ear or by rote?

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?

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

Meaningful Critiques

Meaningful Critiques

As a working church musician, I often hear from church members "loved the music today" or "great job, as usual." Like most people, I like to be appreciated, but in order for me to do my best, I need useful feedback. You do not have to be an expert in music to help me do a better job, and you do not have to criticize, which nice people do not enjoy doing. Just tell me, in your own way, what you "loved" at this particular service, or if it is a concert, at this particular pe

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Playing Gracefully (In an Ungraceful Time)

Playing Gracefully (In an Ungraceful Time)

Meaningful Critiques

Meaningful Critiques

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