My Own Musical Journey
I began taking piano lessons when I was 8 years old. I probably quit and started again at least 3 times until the age of 15. As a student, my 'ear' was always stronger than my 'eye', and I struggled to read and play the notes on the page, always preferring to hear the music and try and sound it out or learn by 'feel'. Can anyone relate?
By the time I was in my late teens/early 20s, I really wanted to become proficient on the piano. Although I could read music and had a good grasp of music theory, that did not translate to being able to read and play the printed notes on the page. So, I took a shortcut using my understanding of music theory and my ear, and that is what I will teach you! Are you still with me?
Classical Training vs. Learning By Ear/Theory
Let me be clear: BOTH of these methods are great and have value. The important thing to understand and recognize at the outset are these two things in THIS order:
- What is your learning style? (Visual or Auditory or both?)
- What are the contexts you will be playing music in? (personal enjoyment, concerts, accompanist, church, bands, gigs, jazz, improv, song-writing, etc.)
If you don't know the answer to those questions yet, that’s ok, but they are important to know so the right things can be focused on.
Classical Training
In general, classical training focuses on technical skills and learning to read the music notation that others have written (classical composers, hymn-writers, etc.). An understanding of music theory is still very valuable and important, but not required to play classical music. The emphasis here is placed on understanding all of the notation markings and what they mean, so that you can then play the music as it was intended.
By Ear/Music Theory
In general, in this method/style you are focusing on listening and understanding how music is constructed (the theory of music). There is much greater reliance on ear training and being able to recognize musical patterns and harmonizations simply by listening rather than seeing the notation on the page. This method and mode of playing music also lends itself much better to creativity, song-writing, and improvising (making your own music spontaneously).
What About BOTH?
There are those who can live and play in both worlds, but in general, people tend to gravitate toward one or the other. Although I began down the classical road and have a deep appreciation for and have worked with many classical musicians in my life, I am FIRMLY PLANTED in the BY EAR/MUSIC THEORY camp and that is the kind of coaching and mentoring I do.
If this description is sparking interest and desire for more on your musical journey, reach out and let’s talk. While I’m not necessarily a teacher, per se, I can hopefully help you identify where you and game plan a way to move you forward on your musical journey.