At one time
you have probably heard someone answer a
question by saying, "Oh, I don't know, we will just play it by ear." In
that context most understand it is a kind of seat-of-the-pants thing. In other
words you "figure it out" as you go. These are certainly the roots of the
concept. Long ago, before music was structured, someone had to experiment or
figure it out. In the true sense of "figuring" it all out as you go is not
really done by very many. So what does it mean?
Those who play by ear use a combination of materials and techniques. Sometimes
the listening is more important and sometimes music theory is more important.
Depending on the level of the player, both are often used. Playing by ear is
really about becoming intimate with your music, leaping from the nest and
flying. |
