Play By Note Chord Or Ear: Which is the Best Way to Learn?

There are two main ways to learn how to play the piano: by note or by ear. But which method is better? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of each approach and help you decide which one is right for you.

Playing by note means reading sheet music and translating the symbols into sounds on the piano. This is the traditional way to learn piano, and it has several advantages.

• Accuracy: Playing by note is more accurate than playing by ear. When you read sheet music, you know exactly which notes to play and when to play them. This can be helpful for playing complex pieces of music or for accompanying other musicians.
• Sight-reading: Playing by note also helps you develop your sight-reading skills. Sight-reading is the ability to read and play music at the same time. This is a valuable skill for any musician, and it can help you learn new pieces of music quickly and easily.
• Theory: Playing by note also helps you learn music theory. Music theory is the study of the underlying principles of music, such as harmony, rhythm, and form. Learning music theory can help you understand how music works and how to create your own compositions.

However, playing by note also has some disadvantages.

Piano Freedom for Frustrated Pianists: Play by note, chord or ear

by Christopher Pierznik

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	66036 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	248 pages

FREE

• Slow: Playing by note can be slow, especially when you're first starting out. It can take a lot of time to learn how to read sheet music and to translate the symbols into sounds on the piano.
• Unnatural: Playing by note can also feel unnatural. When you're playing by note, you're focusing on the symbols on the page instead of on the music itself. This can make it difficult to express yourself musically.
• Limited: Playing by note can also be limiting. When you're playing by note, you're restricted to the notes that are written on the page. This can make it difficult to improvise or to create your own compositions.

Playing by ear means learning how to play music by listening to it. This is a more natural way to learn piano, and it has several advantages.

• Natural: Playing by ear is more natural than playing by note. When you're playing by ear, you're focusing on the music itself, not on the symbols on the page. This can make it easier to express yourself musically and to improvise.
• Fast: Playing by ear can also be faster than playing by note. Once you've trained your ear, you'll be able to learn new pieces of music quickly and easily.
• Versatile: Playing by ear is also more versatile than playing by note. When you're playing by ear, you're not restricted to the notes that are written on the page. This gives you the freedom to improvise and to create your own compositions.

However, playing by ear also has some disadvantages.

• Inaccuracy: Playing by ear can be less accurate than playing by note. When you're playing by ear, you're relying on your own memory and your own interpretation of the music. This can lead to mistakes.
• Difficult: Playing by ear can also be more difficult than playing by note. It takes a lot of practice to train your ear and to develop the ability to play music by ear.
• Limited: Playing by ear can also be limiting. When you're playing by ear, you're limited to the music that you've heard. This can make it difficult to learn new pieces of music or to play music in different styles.

The best way to learn piano depends on your individual learning style and goals. If you're looking for a traditional, structured approach to learning piano, then playing by note may be the better option for you. If you're looking for a more natural, intuitive approach to learning piano, then playing by ear may be the better option for you.

Ultimately, the best way to learn piano is to find a method that works for you and that you enjoy. If you're not sure which method is right for you, try experimenting with both playing by note and playing by ear. See which method you find more enjoyable and which method helps you learn more effectively.

Whether you choose to play by note or by ear, learning how to play the piano is a rewarding experience. With practice and dedication, you can achieve your musical goals and enjoy the benefits of playing music for a lifetime.

Piano Freedom for Frustrated Pianists: Play by note, chord or ear

by Christopher Pierznik

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	66036 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	248 pages

FREE