Piano Playing Tips

There will be an extra layer of security when performing: an aural image of the piece will drive the performance. It takes practice, but once a piece can can be played through with eyes closed, new ways of playing are discovered. Musicians need to let go of the need to watch printed music if they are going to play piano by ear. Practice familiar pieces with eyes closed.

Slowly, the brain's analytic hold on music making lets go, and the ear will take over. Playing from printed scores or lead sheets is usually necessary, but in a group everyone has to learn to listen to the other players. Making music with others encourages new ways of playing and listening to music. Here are some ways musicians can practice so that they will know how to play piano by ear: Play with other musicians as often as possible.

Often, players want to learn how to play piano by ear, but they don't know where to start. To take music making to an advanced level, musicians need to be able to play what they hear in their heads at the piano, and without looking at the keys! Unfortunately this theoretical training has very little practical use for learning how to play piano by ear. Most piano students receive some ear training at their piano lessons, but it is done away from the instrument.