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 Playing by ear
Author: Steve Epstein 
Date:   1999-04-02 04:37

What is the best way to learn to play by ear? Listening and trying to copy? Learning to sing so you can recognize the pitch? Learning "theory"? I seem to have a ROM (read only memory), or as a folk musician once told me, I'm paper-trained:-) Thanks for your help.

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 RE: Playing by ear
Author: Katherine Pincock 
Date:   1999-04-02 14:05

Actually, a combination of the above really helps. A theory course will help you know what progressions to expect, so that you can limit what notes might appear; practicing hearing something and then playing back improves your sense of the intervals you hear in sequence; and singing helps you practice producing the pitch you want to hear. There are several good cassette and method book combinations out there if you want to practice that way. In terms of starting with learning intervals, I found it easiest to place a melody to each interval (minor third up is O Canada, perfect fourth up is Here Comes the Bride, etc.) That gives you a starting point to work from.
I hope this helps you out. Learning this sort of thing is a bit of a challenge, but it's worthwhile doing, and can be a lot of fun.

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 RE: Playing by ear
Author: Ginny 
Date:   1999-04-02 19:55

There are a variety of eartraining programs available, based on learning to recognise intervals, chord progressions etc. Usually these have the view that one should take dictation, write music down. My experience with these is not current, but I'm sure they have software versions available. I used to use 'Rhythm Ace' with students for rhythmic training and I assume they now have similar programs for pitch recognition.

I also recommend the daily practice of hunting for easy melodies, childrens' songs, Xmas carols etc. This sharpens the ability.

If you are learning to transcribe, I have a shareware program that half speeds music, while maintaining pitch. I can probably direct you to the place you can get a copy. Email me if you want it.


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 RE: Playing by ear
Author: Dave Renaud 
Date:   1999-04-02 22:44

1) practice anything and everything you already know
in your head in every key...happy birthday,national anthem,
greensleaves,mary had a little lamb......everything.
2) Listen and copy, listen and copy, listen and copy.
Even if you only can copy a phrase or two at first.
Play what you copy in different keys.
3) Get some play along recordings and start creating
your own improvsations.
4) Learn your theory, muisc theory is a useful tool.

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