learn to play piano by ear

I began playing piano and performing at age 11. I easily read music but also learned to add fills, runs, and chords using a method based on music theory that I learned. I always played the piano using the music or improvised using the chording system that I had learned while looking at the music.

I never learned to play the piano by ear. If someone wanted to sing a song and I did not have the music, a fake sheet, or a chord chart for the song, then I could not play it. I want to learn to play the piano to accompany someone singing or a band without using the music. Thus I want to learn to play the piano by ear.

one month goal – to write chord charts for two songs and then play an accompaniment for these two songs in at least three keys

one year goals – to have created chord charts for at least 24 songs that I can play in at least three keys each

three year goal – to accompany a band without using written music or chord charts but will have practiced the songs with them

five year goal – to accompany a singer or musicians on the piano without using written music or chord charts and without having practiced with them before

Make learning They Might Be Giants songs easier, for hella-sure.

Now, I focus more on re-arranging the sheet music of some of my favorite songs. I like to do a hymn-ish take on Tori Amos, for example. Creating something beautiful and “me” is such a joy.

Listen to CDs (or better yet, the radio, because you will hear songs you aren’t used to) and sit at the piano. If you are familiar with chords you will be able to pick out a pop or rock song’s chord pattern fairly easily because they are really repetitive. Then try to listen for the melody and experiment with keys until you have the right sound. Experiment within the key, maybe different modes. By the time a new song comes along, you will have to start figuring out a whole new key, pattern of chord progressions, etc. Stick with it for at least a half hour at a time. Try it twice a week for half an hour at a go. This will really improve your ability to play by ear.

Make sure your piano is in key, though, so you are in tune with the radio. (electronic keyboard might be best)