The Philosophy of Piano by Ear - Part 2

[@baronsilverbaron757]

So I'm 81 and have recently bought a keyboard. Now all are need is another 79 years to play by ear... right! I better get started.

[@DanBel0711]

I learned to read music for guitar and piano. I am not a sight reader. I use the written music as a guide to learn a tune. Once I learn a tune, the writing is just a guide rail. So, I identify myself as a by ear player with basic reading ability. I see the value of both playing by ear and reading music.

[@coliv2]

You're right that just reading music like a robot doesn't make sense. However, there is a reason why professional musicians emphasize reading music: you need this skill to communicate to other musicians and to speed up the process of learning new music (once you have the ability to read fast, I mean). So I agree that learning by ear is a good thing (I have done it myself), but reading staff music needs to be part of your education if you want to progress as a musician.

[@declandougan7243]

Been playing sheet music for 10 years. I've performed for bigger and bigger crowds and with larger and larger ensembles with more and more demanding music as I go, and I'm completely sick of it. I'm not creating anything, just drawing blood from others' genius. It's time for a change.

[@michaelmoreskine9677]

Wonderful to discover your videos. Thanks so much!

[@gillianmccoymusictuition1236]

I am a piano teacher and always put creativity at the heart of every lesson. I am not hostile to people who want to play by ear. Sometimes people don't have the self determination that you have, people like to have a coach to support and encourage them each week to practice those scales or work out the chords for that song. And we can also help them reach their goals faster by helping them access what they want to learn.

[@James-io8lj]

Also John heavily misrepresents what playing from music is. There are many interpretations of music, not one single target

[@rollingstone3017]

Playing by ear is also a lot of work with many frustrations to get a listenable outcome.

[@albertclangence1342]

To be able to play by ear and also read music, to me is the ultimate situation.

[@frankforde8299]

P

[@albertclangence1342]

A very important point that I would add is that reading musicians have the ability to play music that they have never heard before. They can pick up any piece of sheet music and play it. What a wonderful thing it is to discover new music that there may not even be a recording of.

[@lenapas9480]

Have to listen to this man, lots of wisdom there, hard to find in these days. Thank you Mr John👏

[@Winston-op5de]

Very true. John Wilder is an incredible human being and an amazing piano player. He has giving me the motivation to start learning to play piano in an enjoyable way. I have to listen to him and be able to play piano and enjoy it like him. I don't want to be a robot by just looking at the music sheet and playing, that would be boring. I love the fact that he emphasizes creativity. And we all have it, most people think perhaps that only a few special people have that ability. He is saying that most people can do it. Let's just try it and enjoy ourselves. God bless you Mr. Wilder. And congratulations on your piano playing, you do a great job and sound beautifully like the professional piano player you are. I'm also impressed that you are a retired attorney and a judge. Wow.

[@maeu59]

I play mostly by ear myself and agree about the creativity part, but being able to read comes in handy with difficult music, I play a lot of progressive rock and jazz fusion with many different time signatures. There are times when I have to listen to the music over and over and still don’t get it, then I’ll either write it out or get the sheet music, it saves a lot of time. Also if you’re a professional and getting paid maybe by the hour you need to be able to learn songs quick, being able to read is important, it will also increase your job opportunities….of course once you learn the song you can create all you want.

[@calewis55]

I am so excited. My Mother could play by ear, and was amazed that she could do that. She would say, "I don't know how I can do this..." This is what I have wanted in music. Thank you for this! ❤️

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Don't give up Christy! It's worth it.

[@geraldgrenade4277]

Hello John ... I stumbled upon your video yesterday evening and I watched for 30 minutes as I identified myself to you - and I must say I have the same experience as yours. I am not a judge but I am an engineer - and I started playing the guitar by myself ( I am 66 now ) and there was no internet or tik tok or utube or whatsoever to learn - but just a small book "Je joue de la guitare" (In french) meaning I play the Guitar ... I taught myself to play the keyboards (not the piano as such ) by first translating the guitar chords to the keyboards - By now I can hear any piece of music -- and in my head hear the chords and the melody. I have played a lot of musicals - like Joseph and his multicolor dream coat - or Les Miserables here in Mauritius - without even having to look at the scores. And I have seen a lot of musicians who cannot play without having the scores in front of them. Fortunately, half of the guys playing in our band can read and play scores - but can also play anything by just listening - I sent my kid to the conservatoire hoping he would play one-day guitar or piano - but it did not happen - and he refused to work the way they were teaching and eventually stopped - and now he plays computer games LOL. Thanks for this video I am sure that you will find some critics - but also much appreciation - Learning and playing music is SO much fun - And although I could not live of my music - I would never live without my music - And I understand well when you say - people are touched by your music ( as I experience it so often ) I compose my music and I write a lot of songs in my native language creole. So I am sure you are enjoying what you are doing - and am sure you will inspire a lot of people who are afraid to jump into the wagon of amateur musicians. KEEP IT UP - YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB !!!!!

[@tedrees6025]

So interesting. I followed "learn to play piano from sheet music" for about a year and failed my exam with distinction. Years on and following a pattern of Learn Your Chords, Learn the Rhythm, I find I can play most any "Commercial " song off the cuff. And the enjoyment of piano playing has filled many an hour for me.

[@donk.2070]

Right ON John. Thank you for saying that comment at 7:55 in the video. Of course this is true for most of organized education: 'slow them down, don't help them think'' . So, let's get on with it, be positive because we can create a better style of education. Let's call it '' Project education''. Thank you John, I so appreciate your comments, straight from the Heart. No one can ' Script your reasons for playing'- Very Inspiring. Coincidentally , I've just restarted Piano and playing by ear and improvising is a priority. I look forward to your other videos. Can anyone donate to you? I 'm interested to contribute. Many thanks, Don...

[@annekevangorkum]

Great, you opened my eyes, John. I struggle for YEARS without creativity. Now I understand what I have to do. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@Ron9257]

Great video Judge, please keep em coming.❤

[@circusmonkeyartist6448]

I feel embarrassed that I can not read music, but boy oh boy I’ve had a lot of fun on making my own music on the piano for almost the last 50 years. Thanks John for confirming what I have always thought to my self.

[@marianolen4214]

Thank you! My respects to your views regarding music, I agree with you when you say that no one can teach you to play by ear, I myself have learned a little bit and enjoy playing new melodies that come from the heart, even when i make mistakes (playing the wrong chord for a note) those mistakes teach me too! I love playing worship songs to The Lord and even when I don't read music somehow music is downloaded into my soul through The Spirit. ..I don't understand how yet! Thank you for your counsel and wisdom about music! I'm sure I'll learn a lot more from your experiences in music! ...many blessings to you! Maria

[@rodneyjonesaliaslofty6774]

Thank you for your videos. I identify with so much of what you say. And I learned (or rather taught myself from age 7) to play by ear but I also had traditional piano lessons up to my middle teens. Now I've enjoyed more than 78 years (compare to your 79) and I feel the same way as you about the "standards", music melody, harmony, lyrics of the 30s, 40s and 50s---and beyond, too, where thought has created many beautiful melodies, buried, it seems, in what may be considered "dark" music. I also appreciate some of the modern ideas regarding rhythm---and, yes, I love a lot of Beatles music! I also developed a love and growing appreciation of "classical" music, knowing that composers have largely created their compositions by playing by ear, while paying attention to traditional musical form. Yes, John, playing by ear is enjoyable and fulfilling! Thank you again.

[@hammer44time27]

This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I want to play for the exact same reasons as you John. Just to sit around and play/sing some great old tunes. Fly me to the Moon, I want to swing among the stars....

[@rachelzuniga5300]

Thank God. I am 60 and just started teaching myself to play by ear 1 year ago! I am enjoying the hell out of it and my husband even likes what he hears!!’😊

[@richardkotowski2268]

The urgency to learn how to play comes from you . I appreciate your non-urgency of being able to play music that comes from the heart to you, not what is on paper. Just a little bit of feeling goes a long way. Thank you John and keep on doing what you love . B.B. King a great guitarist learned by ear and never learned to read music and he loved every minute of it. .

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Thank you very much! I recently invented my new musical motto: " 'One note at a time' breeds confidence; confidence breeds enthusiasm; enthusiasm breeds creativity; creativity breeds joy !"

[@kfcheah5697]

In my younger days, I took formal guitar lessons by reading musical notes. I was good at it. BUT once I took away my music sheets, I can't play anything. It was frustrating. Eventually I gave up the lessons and started playing my ear. By improvising a lot, I can play a lot of my own music interpretations.

[@dennismasterton3834]

Over the years I have worked with some musicians who could not play anything without their music in front of them. I came to the conclusion that they did not really understand what they were playing.

[@jameslarot6292]

Being musically inclined and having the excitement to play any instrument available out there is a gift. You must have the drive within you in order to be inspired to play music. There are those who want to be software engineers, pilots, scientists and other many professions anyone can engage in and accomplish it with lots of dedication and determination. Going through the process of accomplishing it can be a daunting task just like playing music. But you made a lot of good valid points John, and I like the fact that your mother picked a name for you derived from the Bible which is very compelling. I'm a Pastor and a Teacher of the Word of God in the Bible. I also believed that all gifts given to us come from God and no one can take that away from the gifted one. I studied Theology and graduated from a seminary University and have been sharing the Gospel all over the world and still doing it. Back to the topic of music and the philosophy of playing Piano by ear. Growing up as a child, music was the very first thing that popped up in my head and also because I was surrounded and exposed to musicians playing in my cousin’s owned and managed Band. I began to play music with my guitar at a young age when I was around 10 years old as far as I can remember. I'm almost 63 years old now and still playing my Piano by ear and not only that, I compose, arrange, and produce music with all the Technology you can think of with today's technology hardware and software wise. It’s amazing how music has evolved into different types of music genres nowadays. I also majored in Computer Science which allowed me to work as an IT professional since the last 45 years while playing music and having a Band playing for special occasions like Weddings, Private Parties, and other venues all over the place. I considered myself and my Band as weekend warriors since I had a full time job working for major companies such as EDS, Hewlett-Packard, and XEROX Corporation. Back to the music topic, I mainly play by ear when I'm in front of my Electric Piano Synthesizer which can emulate a sound of a Grand Piano like the one you have. This is a YAMAHA MX88 Piano Synthesizer which has thousands of sounds you can think of including Drums, Horns section, Guitar sounds, Rhodes and many others. Technology has brought us many options and opportunities to be able to have all the instruments sounds at your fingertips. There is nothing wrong with playing music by ear and you are right, when reading a music sheet, you are not really making your own music. I think having both the abilities to read a music sheet and playing by ear are really beneficial overall. I learned basic music theory when I was in elementary school which helped me understand the structure of notes, chords, and scales. The rest of it I learned by myself which was a lot of fun in the process. Music is always going to be a part of our lives and I thank God for embedding music into our human DNA, Amen.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Being a Luddite, all technology is a mystery to me. I am perfectly happy with my 88 weighted keys and not a drop of electricity. To me, your most important phrase is at the end: "which was a lot of fun in the process". That's why I keep at it. It IS fun. It makes me smile. My entire program has been aimed at simplicity for the exact reason that it shouldn't be hard work, it should be a labor of love.

[@justbyron1536]

Thank you for this video, John. I am a retired reading teacher and your videos are giving me hope for ever taking my ?-year-old electronic keyboard out of the closet, and view it in a different way. Time will tell whether I make something out of my hope. Thanks again for your encouragement!

[@MysticInfusion]

Just go for it! No time but the present. 😘

[@thatsam-9880]

Playing the piano by ear means being able to play a piece of music on the piano without having the music written out in front of you. It involves listening to a piece of music and figuring out the melody and harmony by ear, and then playing it on the piano. Here are some tips for playing the piano by ear: Listen to a piece of music and try to identify the melody. Pay attention to the pitches and rhythms of the melody, and try to sing or hum it to yourself. Practice playing simple melodies on the piano by ear. Start with short, familiar melodies and work your way up to more complex pieces. Practice listening to chords and chord progressions. Chords are groups of three or more notes played at the same time, and chord progressions are the patterns of chords that occur in a piece of music. Try playing along with recordings of music, using your ear to figure out the melody and chords. As you become more comfortable with playing by ear, try improvising your own melodies and chord progressions on the piano. Playing the piano by ear takes time and practice, but it can be a rewarding and enjoyable skill to develop.

[@samspianos]

Done

[@truthmanifestingtruth]

You make many valuable points. It may be a matter of semantics, but you can teach someone to play by ear. One can share with them the principles of music and how matching the sounds (scale tones) within the key they are in works, circle of 5ths, Nashville number system, etc. There are a bunch of tools you can give students. Many gospel musicians teach their students to play by ear. However, each student has to pursue and practice in their own time to get where they want to go with playing by ear.

[@johnruffin3291]

Playing by ear is a gift. You teach someone to listen for the sound of a chord and say that’s this chord and that chord. Those that actually play by ear will tell you they listen to a song and can begin playing that song instantly. There not listening for this chord or that chord they listen and can duplicate what they hear. This is playing by ear everyone can’t do this.

[@viralbuthow000]

@@johnruffin3291 Is it really a gift though? Countless rock and pop musicians play by ear. Granted, most are not jawdropping, but they've worked dilegently since at least adolesence to become competent at it

[@johnruffin3291]

@@viralbuthow000 yes it’s a gift there is no chord training to recognize the sound of different chords. I think it’s great that it can be learned that way it’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s not playing by ear

[@viralbuthow000]

@@johnruffin3291 So basically these people who can recognize chords are gifted with perfect pitch.

[@johnruffin3291]

@@viralbuthow000 if you believe that more power to you. There’s nothing wrong with teaching someone to listen to chords and know them when you hear them. It’s still not playing by ear. It’s being trained to memorize the sounds of chords.

[@eroceanos]

I have a great teacher who helps me with everything and I follow a classical education, but he encourages me to play jazz and improvise... I love improvisation most... but I absolutely love to play Bach or Chopin too... at my exam, I improvised three pieces of Bach together... and got 95%! So I think that music education can be really good, but indeed... the good teachers are the exception and they complain about the rigidity of the academic system... I hope it will improve further... and indeed, those moments that music brings you to tears because of the sheer beauty... that is the ultimate motivation and reward!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

You have a unique and excellent teacher. It's not bad to read music. For me, it's just not fulfilling. The joy of seeing a tear is knowing that I have touched another so deeply. That is fulfilling beyond description.

[@edwingerard8544]

A bit Manicheistic in his absolute dismissal of classical music and classical artists. I also find his calling Minor Mode "disgusting," borderline bigoted. He clearly has an axe to grind and unfortunately his personal resentments taint the positive message he has to offer. I'm 74 and have been sight-reading classical music throughout my life. Even today, finding a new piece by Tschaikowsky, Bach, Chopin or Debussy and being able to play it right off the bat still brings me endless pleasure and fills my days with the enthusiasm of new discovery. Thank you to my classical music teachers!

[@lshwadchuck5643]

I don't think he sincerely finds minor keys 'disgusting' - he's a highly skilled jazz lounge player (see his performance videos). He's got this Big Idea to cater to KZbin viewers who want the easy way to play. Play only upbeat 'standards' on the white keys. That took him down a rabbit hole of basic reading and transposing. BUT. It's working for him: he already has 4k subscribers! There's in fact no easy way to play, but that doesn't stop channels like this proliferating. People should just get see & play software if they aren't even a little serious.

[@mayiask654]

@@lshwadchuck5643 if he doesn't find minor keys "sincerely disgusting" as you state then saying so in the context of "teaching" music this is even worse. Especially when he says it to non experienced beginners that might take his words at face value. You say that he does it for the sake of getting more subscribers. But what does this say about his character? Making false and misleading statements against better knowledge only for the own benefit (subscribers in that case) doesn't cast a good light on anybody.

[@Miss_ratched]

Hi John. I am so happy to find such a genuine and true piano mentor like yourself. As a matter of fact, having spent 7 years at music school learning to read and perform sheet music holds me back to open my mind and try to play by ear, it's like a curse, it has been paralysing me so much. Everytime I try to make my own arrangement to a song, I end up giving up and decide to find the music sheet with notes. After all, I always doubt my capacity to do it as I am so used to copy the notes that someone else has written. Nevertheless, my friend from school she had an absolute pitch and we would hum a melody to her and she would play it instantly with chords and everything, she was also amazing at reading notes. But I guess she is a rarity. On a positive note, I am still trying to detach from existing song arrangements on the internet and to teach myself playing by ear. Today I made a huge progress thanks to your encouragement ❤❤❤❤ 🙏 and felt so proud of myself. Thanks and keep doing what you do.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Dear Learn English With the Best Journalism: What a delightful comment! Thank you. At 80 years of age, it's incredibly nice to know that I have had a positive impact on someone's life. From the beginning, that was my only goal. Starting today, I hope that you will skip to Part 8 and watch all of it. Then, I think you will understand how, beginning with only a simple melody and its simple chords, you can begin creating your own arrangement of that and any song. Most of the other Parts are intended for beginners and you are certainly not in that category. Other Parts are intended to provide a platform for you to build a repertoire of songs that you love without the curse that you describe. Learn the simple chord symbols. Stick to the key of C as much as possible because a beautiful chord is beautiful in every key. Learn to transpose simple sheet music to the key of C - treble clef, one note at a time, and the basic chords symbols. Then, when you can play a desired song in that simple way, remember Part 8 and go from there. Experiment - until you smile! Then, experiment some more. Believe in yourself. Don't give up! After 7 years of effort, I have no doubt that you will succeed. Thank you for making my efforts seem worthwhile.

[@Miss_ratched]

@@Thephilosophyofpianobyear thanks a lot for more tips. I will definitely watch it! It's a pleasure 😀

[@thatsam-9880]

Fantastic presentation, John! Just what I’m looking for. I’m 62 and just beginning to learn the piano. I’ve learned the scales and looking very much to learn your techniques.

[@jesselarson402]

The best part about playing piano by ear is that you make something yours in a way.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Everything I play is my own arrangement of someone else's beautiful or powerful creation. I "own" those arrangements, not to possess or sell but to revel in. Another way to describe "joy".

[@mebusy2280]

I'm going to cry... I'm ready to take on the stumbling blocks! Yes, I have a ways to go but you've given me that boost. That glimmer of hope to go one more at a time! I can do this!!!!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

One word defines the whole program (up to the last few minutes of Part 8) - Simplicity. One note at a time breeds confidence. Confidence breeds enthusiasm. Enthusiasm breeds creativity. Creativity breeds joy. Don't give up!

[@klausseywald]

great video, thank you. That's exactly what I've been telling my students all my life - how important it is to learn playing by ear

[@lidinhipolito9695]

Thank you for share ❤

[@mr.owatson9150]

I don't know if you realized it or not Mr. Wilder, but you're basically telling your viewers to learn sheet music first, no matter how little, to learn to play by ear. This is the way I also taught myself to read, write, score, play by sight and by ear. So basically, knowledge expands creativity. I think I'll screen print that on my next t-shirt. "KNOWLEDGE EXPANDS CREATIVITY." by Otis Watson 01/26/2023. You saw it here first. Thanks for posting this video John!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

You're right! It does. In another reply, I stumbled on these thoughts: Simplicity breeds confidence. Confidence breeds creativity. I had struggled from day one of this project with how to "teach" confidence and concluded that it can't be taught. Hopefully, I stumbled upon a "back door".

[@renefolse8470]

Thank you so much for your course John. I am 77 years old, and enjoy your course, and how you see things. I have had a piano in my home since a child, and took it with me over the years, but never learned to play it. I decided to learn as a New Years resolution, and learned much over the last six weeks, and then I ran across your course, and things are now sinking in for me. BTW I spent my life practicing law, and I share your views on that experience as well. Your course makes learning to play my piano much more fun, and I am loving every minute of my new passion.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Part 8, The Magic Chord (written but not recorded) will help you and everyone with chords.

[@ggCool900]

such an amazing story, thanks for sharing

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

There's more story in Part 8, not yet published. And you're welcome.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with the idea that knowing how to read music is somehow at odds with creativity, or that it is part of some plot by music teachers to keep the money coming in. Being able to read music is liberating, in the same way in which the ability to read words opens the door to other people's thoughts and ways of expressing themselves. Someone who is well-read is in a far better position to express themselves on paper (or screen, in this case) than someone who is not, because their vocabulary is so much wider, and their use of language so much more sophisticated than the person who reads little. In the same way, if you can read and play other people's music, you have a far better understanding of their particular musical ideas, and this acts as an inspiration for your own. Playing by ear is a great thing - I do it myself - but it is only part of the wide variety of musical experience and satisfaction available to the well-rounded musician. I agree that many - possibly most - people who start music lessons never make it to a level of competence, but that is because they lack the determination to 'practice' (i.e. to 'do') hour after hour, day after day, 365 days a year. The ones who can manage this (and I am not one of them) become fluent in playing and have a much deeper understanding of music than those who do not. The beginner has to practice the tedious basics to the point at which the fingers play the correct notes automatically, and mistakes are relatively few and far between, just like touch-typing. Writing as I am now, the words are going down on the screen as I think of them, but I couldn't tell you where the letters on the keyboard actually are: it's just automatic. But in the beginning, touch-typing was grindingly tedious.

[@ekay4123]

Thanks for keeping it REAL!!!!!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

@ekay4123: You're very welcome. I will always believe that, with the help of a caring parent, even a child could succeed at playing by ear if they took it One Step at a Time. Start with the basic treble clef and the scales and don't stop until a child has learned the chords in Part 8.1. Kids who take expensive lessons for years and years and end up walking away with nothing is the norm - probably 95%! Playing by ear and "creating" every chosen song in a way that makes you smile never stops being a joy in life. Thank you for your comment. It is what made my effort worthwhile and my life worth living.

[@Henno66]

"One Tear!" - John, that says it all. Bless you.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

The power of music is incredible. You can shut your eyes and music that is important to you, for whatever reason, can take you anywhere in space and time and to every joy and sorrow. No art form can bring back memories the way music does. You don't just "remember" the feelings. You live them all over again. Incredible. Thank you!

[@richardhunt809]

I have followed a very similar philosophy in learning to play the guitar by ear, except instead of learning to read music, I just learned my scales (major and yes, minor) as fretboard patterns. And I learned the chords belonging to those scales (really just subsets of the scale). It’s generally a lot easier to transpose keys on the guitar: you just move the whole thing up or down however many frets you like and the pattern remains the same. I find music theory immensely helpful because I understand what I’m doing. I’m not just blindly playing the correct notes. I did start teaching myself the piano by learning to read the little black dots, but it was all just memorisation and no understanding. So I want to translate my guitar-based knowledge onto the piano. It takes a lot of work though. Thank you for your helpful and insightful video.

[@jazzcatt]

I have to disagree with you, but only to a point, regarding transposing on guitar. Take the key of E. When you transpose to Eb it is not just a matter of just moving the whole thing down one fret. Many guitarists only want to play in the keys that CAN be transposed simply by moving the chords up or down the fret board. Also, many only WANT to play in certain keys, like E, A, B, F#. Kind of like some sax players want to play in Bb, Eb, F.

[@richardhunt809]

@@jazzcatt well sure, some keys are easier, depending on what instrument you’re playing. But you can think of E as a barre chord at the 12th fret and transpose it down from there. I’m not saying that’s the best way though. Other voicings would probably work better.

[@jazzcatt]

@@richardhunt809 And it's those other voicing that so many guitarists don't want to bother learning. Yes, going to the 12th fret and transposing from there is doable but let's face it. It would sure sound like crap. Kind of like a vocalist jumping octaves because they can't reach the higher notes. LOL

[@johnmanfra1]

This man is still talking after two videos. Let’ get to the music. He loves to talk!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

As you have repeatedly noted - I've said enough!

[@user-sr8pn9xg8z]

Hi John. Eighty years old Kent, who just watched your video and "loved" it, as so many others have probably told you. Most of all about this video was hearing your story. You have been given a great gift than many others don't have. I have a totally different story but covers the same similar topic. I don't know if you have the time or interest, but if you would like to share experiences with another "old" guy let me know. Thanks for the helpful video and God bless.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Thank you for the compliment. I have to re-record Part 8 which runs over an hour so that is first on my list. After that, your story sounds interesting but, being a Luddite, I don't know how to go about exchanging that volume of information. Please let me know.

[@johnlaccohee-joslin4477]

I have played most of my life, i was lucky because firstly i had an ear for music, i also was trained to read the dots and sing as part of a choir in a high church which required going to the royal school of church music. Boy, did that set me on a path. From what i have seen and heard John has really given a lot of thought to what he is doing, and really think he should have started doing this a long time ago as he jas a very good aprouch to the whole thing. I can only say he has my aplause in making the effort to past something on that is a gift, something i ended up doing,, i.e. passing on the knowledge so from one John to another well done, its reallynpleasing to see.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Thank you John. Comments like yours are the reason I keep trying. Part 8, the "Magic Chord", is soon to be published. If you struggle with chords, I think it will help.

[@davidreidenberg9941]

I have to take exception to the idea that nobody can teach you how to play by ear. Any piano student certainly has to be able to to read a single note melodic line or else they can never play anything that they have never heard before. One still has to be taught to count and keep time. My present teacher taught me using various drills how to voice chords that sounded professional as opposed to how your 3rd. teacher might play during class sing-a-long. But, you are correct as at some point your ear has to take over and that’s when play becomes fun.

[@maeu59]

Good point about counting and time keeping, there’s also note value and time signature which is basic in becoming a good musician. It’s not so much about the reading it’s being able to play with dynamics and emotion, and then to sound like you’re not reading. Yes you can learn by ear but there are no shortcuts, except for being able to read.

[@peterclark1041]

Have Videos 5 and 6 been developed yet.. very helpful 4 sessions thanks!!

[@TJWW...studios]

🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶 greetz & love from a 72year young... from germAny... besides bach...my second correction would be a L... after the p of pandemic... thanx to your son for recording this

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Tom Song: Thank you! I only wish that "Bach vs Beethoven" was my only error. There are a bunch of errors but 99% of them were pretty tiny. Besides, my favorite quotation comes from a Herman comic strip - "Maturity is that feeling that come over you when you look back on your life and realize that you were wrong on almost everything." And my son thanks you!

[@stevelawrence5268]

A lovely insightful approach in the philosophy by ear your honour which from personal experience has a parallel to karaoke, where you become the instrument being led by a professional then there goes the neighbourhood.

[@regpreston8032]

Thanks for your explanation of what ’Creativity’ vs playing by reading notes, eg classical being rigid I sat down and after watching your stylings in part 1, played better and more songs than i have in years. Thanks for doing this! ❤

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Don't stop! And thank you for your kind words.

[@katherinegoins1935]

I play sax, mostly alto, and am just learning to play by ear and really listen and not just look at notes to play.. I've mostly played by written music but it does get boring. You've been most informative and encouraging. I'm attempting improv and learning a little theory. Thank you for your presentation.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Katherine: My motto: " 'One note at a time' breeds confidence. Confidence breeds enthusiasm. Enthusiasm breeds creativity. Creativity breeds joy." I honestly don't think that learning theory is helpful.

[@patrickrwhite8354]

I agree that Reading music is so Mechanical and when those guys lose the notes they are totally lost they can't play. During covid, I had to play for Seniors in a care facility and my goggles fogged up with the condensation from my mask. So I was still able to play but another man prior to me couldn't play once his vision was blocked for the same reason. Some of the cords I play if I don't know their names and someone were to ask me I just say John they are my Delicious cords. Augmented and diminished chords are the chords I mean. I chuckled to myself when you said that you feel guilty about getting paid. I used to play lounges and dining rooms and bars like you but I always said I felt I was successful because I got paid to have fun and enjoyed what I did. that is success to me. I know I have touched those people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia when I see their fingers tapping time to the music. That chokes me up. I don't know theory either. We seem to be on the same page John. I don't wish to learn notes at age 65 in my life just to be able to embellish what I do now would make me happy.

[@usernamemykel]

John, I searched the internet for that (page 340) Ode To Joy - I even checked "Cheek to Cheek" which is on the bottom of the page - couldn't find it - please advise where it could be found, thanks!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

I'm sorry. I don't have the slightest idea when or where I stumbled on it. If you have access to a FAX machine (and if I ever figure out how to access the response that I am requesting - a FAX number), I would try to do that for you. Seems like there ought to be an easier way. Are you sure there is nothing on the Internet that is a simplified version of Ode to Joy?

[@AIJohnsen]

When I was seven my mother had me take piano lessons. When I would play a wrong note, my piano teacher would hit my knuckles with a ruler. How is that for an introduction to music!

[@joefilipiak9421]

Why are 3 videos hidden?

[@johnlewis9649]

Thank you for sharing this. I am sure this has helped a lot of musical people of various ages !!!!!

[@Jimmy.Leonardo]

Sir, I'm half your age, and it would be an honor to learn more from you, music, life lessons, world views, whatever you wanted to share with us. Thank you for making these lovely videos.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

It's my son's recording studio. As a Luddite, I don't have the slightest idea about the mikes. Remember - given my age, I grew up with "tin can telephones" (and my aunt had a wall phone with a crank on it!).

[@tentrade2]

I learned to play piano when I was 13 just a little over one Year could play fur Elise ，moonlight，I stopped and never played till I came to America , Amazing at the pianist at the church I attended who Didn't have a book to look at all but played any music fast or slow, accompanying or solo.... I said to myself it would take a miracle for me to do so, many years later in a startup church while offering I went to the piano and played "I Surrender All " all in the white keys......the rest is history, I am 69 1/2 now 🙏🙏🙏➕➕➕

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Good for you!

[@GODessence33]

Such a soothing voice and a great patient teacher. However I missed the name of the sheet that I should begin the C Scale with… do I just type in c scale sheet download? Any comments will be appreciated 😊

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Please forgive me. The instant you said "download", my brain shut down. You need to find all of the major scales on sheet music, both the treble (right hand) and bass (left hand) clefs. You need to find them in a format that shows the exact fingering (the thumb is #1 on the fingering of 1 to 5) of each scale, on both clefs. Learn the treble clef first and learn what keys to hit that correspond to the lines and spaces shown on the sheet music. Learn to play every major scale with your right hand. After you have mastered the fingering, the scales and the keys to hit in the treble clef, use the bass clef scales on the sheet music to learn only the fingering of the bass clef scales. Use your ear to pick out the keys with your left hand. If nothing else, slowly play a scale with your right hand and duplicate the keys with your left hand, using the correct fingering. You will easily hear when you make a mistake because every note that you play with your left hand will be a perfect octave below what you played with your right hand. You do NOT need to learn what the lines and spaces mean on the sheet music for the bass clef (the left hand). I hope this helps. These things have to be available on the Internet for free, somewhere. If I could find them, I would give you directions. But I am an 80 year old Luddite. Sorry.

[@curban616]

What a perfect way to explain music. I don’t want to copy perfectly..just for me.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Reading music perfectly will boost your ego. The creativity of playing by ear will enrich your soul immeasurably.

[@skrifefeil3634]

I only play music right out of my head. Even I have never heard the songs before. I hear the song for the first time when I`m listening to what I`m playing.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

The reason I went through all of the simple, one note at a time, instruction and the simplified music and music books available, was to give millions of people, with little or no knowledge of music, a way to both access and play, at the beginner's level, thousands of wonderful songs. Then, the magic could begin for them.

[@tomasranta6154]

I took trumpet lessons for 6 years. My teacher gave upon me because he knew I wasn’t into it. It was the happiest day of my life. I had my classes with the band kids thereafter. They are generally a brainy bunch. Being with them rubbed off on me academically so I guess it all was worth it.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

So - are you going to try the piano? I tried to structure the entire program for people who have never even seen a piano!

[@maryrubin7175]

Thank you so much for this, John! I played piano long before I could read music (long before I could read anything!) and eventually was set up with piano teachers. I took lessons from musicians at various universities and schools of music, was put in mandatory theory classes, and exhorted to practice a minimum of 4 hrs./day. Despite their best efforts, I never actually learned to read music! I'd pick out enough notes to remind me what the teacher played, then reproduce the rest from memory until they’d correct me the next time by playing it again. (The Internet didn't exist, yet, so there was no "Googling" the piece! :D ) It definitely annoyed them! I played in recitals and competitions getting good feedback, but still couldn't sight read to save my life! If I heard it, I could play it. The End. I felt like a fraud. My last teacher actually gave me his Steinway when he bought himself a new piano, under the assumption that I'd be going to Julliard or something after high school. I was terrified! The summer I turned 17, I told my then-instructor that I was going to "take a break". I knew I wasn't going back, but couldn't tell him that, so I lied. It was such a relief! I slammed that door shut, and didn't touch a piano again until last year (that’s 37 years later) when I inherited a baby grand. I found that even after all that time, I could play anything that came into my head - and like you, I gravitated toward familiar tunes, holiday favorites, and show tunes. I was actually playing a variation of "America the Beautiful" last night, so when you played it in the previous video, I just closed my eyes. That arrangement, and especially your jazzy arrangement of "Amazing Grace", were staggering - chords which BEGGED to be resolved would hang in the air, then resolve, only to make surprising turns and key modulations. It's exactly how I hear music in my head! Performing other composers' works just isn't the same. I can reproduce it, but it's not mine. Your series has been eye-opening! I feel like it's given me permission to just play, and that what I call "mistakes" are OK - even GOOD, because I stumble onto a chord/ chord progression that I hadn't intended, but really like. Your viewpoint is refreshing and this series is such a gift for me - you have no idea! I am deeply grateful - thank you again!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

I could not ask for a nicer comment. THANK YOU. I was never on KZbin - ever - until my son put me here. I still have no idea how it works but I'm guessing that whatever I say to you in this Reply automatically goes to everyone who has expressed an interest in the program (Followers?) and I don't have to "list" everyone that I want to receive it (like e-mail). On that assumption (PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!), I am going to use your incredibly kind and thoughtful Comment as a "springboard" for a couple of "universal" thoughts. First, I want to thank everyone for their positive comments and negative (but constructive) comments but especially the positive ones. I am overwhelmed by the compliments and, since it took me several months to FIND them, I apologize for not timely responding. At this point, I just want to say THANK YOU, with far more sincerity than capital letters can muster. Second, I have decided that the "motto" of my program can be summed up with these words: "One note at a time = Simplicity; Simplicity breeds Confidence; Confidence breeds Creativity; Creativity = the Joy of music." Third, confidence cannot be taught but it has to be learned. Having read hundreds of Comments, both positive and constructively negative, I have come to the conclusion that I owe a bit more to all of the people who have waded through the first 7 Parts. So, over the next few weeks (maybe a couple of months, since my son's recording studio is almost 200 miles away), I'm going to record some "epilogues" that attempt to bolster confidence by dealing with some of the inevitable "stumbling blocks". One very common example is the use of the left hand. I told one person to practice all of the scales with their left hand until they were blue in the face. Then I got to thinking about my own left hand and realized that it is literally the driving force behind my entire style of playing. I had never thought about it before. So, my current intention is that the first epilogue will deal with the incredible importance of the left hand and the "trick" that I stumbled upon that is incredibly useful. I use it in large percentage of my arrangements and it's remarkably simple (which, if I am correct, breeds confidence!). And thank you, again. John

[@Butterfly-if1qs]

Awesome! All my life I wanted to learn to play piano by ear. I had lessons as a kid, but they didn't seem like the fun part.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

I hope (an understatement) that parents will realize that the program could be used in lieu of the traditional "piano teaching industry" approach of weekly lessons, years of effort and frustration and painful expense. A huge percentage of young people are pushed into "reading music" and end up quitting. A parent, either with lots of encouragement alone (age 10+ ?) or lots of help and encouragement (age 10- ?), could try this program and maybe, just maybe, forever instill the joy of creating music into the life of their child. However, they should space the program so that it remains fun and a challenge. If nothing else, it's free!

[@tamenamoa3468]

How do I get good dexterity?

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

All the major scales, first with the right hand, then the left hand, then both hands together, faster and faster, over and over. It's tedious but esential.

[@jonathannewby5795]

'Ode To Joy' was written by Beethoven, not Bach. It's even written on the sheet.

[@rollingstone3017]

That’s interesting. I know a few music majors too. They no longer touch a musical instrument 🧐and are actually somewhat antagonistic to playing.

[@manowar7304]

I can't believe that it took this guy almost FIFTEEN MINUTES! to get to the subject matter.

[@DrQuizzler]

If I may make an additional suggestion sir, your journey as a seasoned lounge pianist reminds me of that of another wonderful lounge player, www.youtube.com/@SangahNoona, who has recently joined a music instruction group based in Canada called www.youtube.com/@PianoteOfficial as one of their instruction "coaches". They specialize in creating concise beginner-to-intermediate-level content for learning to play piano by ear, with the aid of lead sheets, fake books, and even full scores. I was thinking you and they could similarly benefit from each other, you from their established language for teaching piano newbies, and they from your wealth of performing experience thrilling live lounge audiences on the piano, perhaps the best of both worlds. Good luck Mr Wilder.

[@rasheedlewis1]

Like you said, we read music to gain dexterity; hence, we must read music. But we read also to get ideas and inspiration for our own creations. Or to visualize connections between different pieces and songwriters. But I mean, how many classical pianists don't know how to play by ear?

[@lerippletoe6893]

Indeed getting really good at ear training is indispensable, but there's no reason not to work on reading music at least 10 minutes a day! It will save hours. Also, to say you are not creating when you read, there are exceptions when you 1) play continuo from a figured bass part, or 2) improvise upon a foundation you read. Maybe you would be encouraged to learn that there are now teachers who teach improvisation. You learn continuo realization, you learn cadences and sequences, you learn forms to work from, etc.

[@gerardvila4685]

True, and the estimable John Wilder seems to forget that ALL musicians start out by copying other musicans, whether by listening again and again to a recording or by getting the sheet music and reading it - both are copying when all is said and done. (It's perfectly possible to learn a classical piece from a recording too - I remember a classmate wowed our music teacher by doing exactly that. His Chopin was a bit ham-fisted, but play Chopin he did.)

[@paulinejorsling1314]

Thank you Mr John Wilder for your huge generosity of spirit, taking the huge amount of time involved, along with so much hard work to use your expertise to help people play by ear. At eighty two years of age, as a result of following the nine parts of your programme, you have given me the mechanisms, to effectively play by ear, after a lifetime of wanting to play by ear. Like so many, I abandoned piano playing at age fifteen, after seven years of music study, because I couldn't play the songs I liked. I opted instead for the comaderie of the school hockey team. Now thanks to you, I can play the Feather Song with suitable base chords and I'm playing by ear A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, still in the key of C of course. And importantly I'm also experimenting with how to play simple rhythms on the base, while continuing to become more familiar playing with your essential chord list. I know that I have quite a way to go, but I'm having great fun and plan to continue enjoying myself I die! Thank you hugely. With much gratitude. Pauline Jorsling

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Pauline: Words cannot express what your comment means to me. I am overwhelmed and overjoyed. I have actually made another human being's life better. That means that I have fulfilled my father's request: "Leave the world a better place than you found it." I thank you from the bottom of my heart. There is something that you can do for me. I am almost computer illiterate and have no idea how to promote my program. Even if you can only think of a few people that might be interested, I hope you will tell them about this program. After I added Parts 1.1 and 1.2 for true beginners, it is not only usable by people of all ages, it is now a wonderful tool for parents that are home-schooling their children. With an attentive parent who truly wants to bond with his or her child, I think a child as young as 5 could begin the process of learning to play by ear and I don't think that many of them will quit. Like millions of kids, you and I both abandoned the piano very early in life - you at age 15 and me at age 10. Sibling rivalry was the only reason I began again at age 12. I was just lucky. Anyway, to the extent that you can, please tell the world and home-schooling parents of this alternative to expensive and usually wasted piano lessons. I just added a new Part 10. I hope that you enjoy it. If I had known, I would have included "A Nightingale Sang.........". Thank you again for your kindness. John

[@federicozimerman8167]

John, Ode to Joy is by Ludwig Van Beethoven.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

My favorite comic is a man talking to his teenage son with this sage advice: "Maturity is that feeling that comes over you when you look back on your life and realize that you were wrong on almost everything."

[@MoneyAli75]

Cmon Pastor 🙌

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Duh?

[@MoneyAli75]

@@Thephilosophyofpianobyear man I was showing you love n a lot of people have a lot of criticism for your videos ..so think about that man

[@TheBrucepix]

I’ve had success at nothing in my life. Again and again I have set out with high hopes, and talent, to achieve: dance, martial arts, career (even learning to tune piano), languages, healthy lifestyle… now at 51, body is broken, no wealth, nothing. But I’m setting out again to learn to play piano. What catastrophe awaits this time? I’m open to the possibility of success.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Don't give up!

[@Gullsz]

If you read properly then you are using your ears. To read properly means to hear the music in your head from the score and translating it to your figures. I read a bit and I know when I am hearing the score, or just following the score. To hear it feels like music, rather than just going through the motions. If you can look at a piece of music and hear it internally, or even better sing it, without an instrument, you are using your ears.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

In general, playing the piano requires your brain, your eyes, your ears, your hands and one foot. Feeling music and playing by ear also requires your heart.

[@Marykellogg]

Don’t look now John but you are teaching a piano lesson in this video !!!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

With your permission, I prefer to be called a "Guide" in the "Musical Tool Shed". But - Thank you!

[@azarpiano]

You are a fascinating gentleman. I am eager to see what my 2 girls learn at your feet.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

If they don't give up and they aren't tone deaf. they will play by ear.

[@lshwadchuck5643]

Ah, you said you weren't a jazz pianist 'any more'. I thought you were when you played Amazing Grace. Like most teachers in the industry, you're basically telling people to practice Hanon. Drilling scales is the foundation of jazz piano teaching. And to develop dexterity without developing either rhythm or an ear for the most harmonic three notes of each scale. Having done this I can say that playing in the key of C, all white keys, you lose the advantage the 3D structure of the keyboard that really helps your fingers make sense of it. I appreciate you're trying to make it easy for people, but the idea of having to transpose any song to C, after figuring it out in its actual key, is pretty Rube Goldberg. Ode to Joy is Beethoven. And the internet is full of sites that give away or sell lead sheets - music that has your simplified melody and chord names above the staff.

[@MusicBasics4keyboard509]

Point well taken, indeed.

[@thatsam-9880]

John, “Ode to Joy” is by Beethoven not Bach. I liked listening to your version.

[@jazzcatt]

Major scale: W = Whole step, H= Half step. so W,W,H, W,W,W,H. Or WWH WWH connected by a W.

[@Anorectic.Bumblebee]

Smartpant alert: Ode to joy by Bach? :D

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

My favorite comic strip is a man talking to his son with this advice: "Maturity is that feeling that comes over you when you look back on your life and realize that you were wrong on almost everything."

[@Anorectic.Bumblebee]

@@Thephilosophyofpianobyear haha I love this answer.

[@billsmith8853]

I've been playing music most of my life, and I can't play any other way except by ear.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Good for you! You are getting the best of the joy of creating music!

[@sptfgpn]

Bach?

[@albertclangence1342]

Yes it's the Bach version, different chords to the Beethoven one. 🙄

[@DrQuizzler]

Hi Mr. Wilder. After watching part 2 and some of part 3, I think your method could benefit from an outline of objectives and examples, and from some pretty heavy editing with a critical eye to what does and doesn't serve the objectives. I would, as an example, remove most of the potentially counter-productive rambles and rants, particularly those advising against using time-tested tools. Right now, you have hours of extra content where you say every learning tool you didn't use yourself is useless, but since we all learn differently, I think a good paring down would produce a tight half-hour to 45 minutes of things a piano newbie can try as a means to pick up some basics. After covering the basics, you might steer newbies to specific outside resources like lead sheets or "fake books" with some of the songs you demonstrate, and to music theory lessons like those offered by www.youtube.com/@RickBeato, geared toward helping musicians of all levels understand how music works. The cool thing about music theory is, done right, it can quickly expose a student to an understanding of lots of useful chords and combinations for picking up a new song or piece by ear, and for spicing songs up as his/her skill level increases. Best of luck with your course sir.

[@Vijay7090]

Change the channel! Some of us haven't had a granddad to impart this time and wisdom to us. Plus, the benefit of this teaching style is in providing the rudimentary skills to ear training/playing by ear, which many learners aren't familiar with or think is too daunting, so they will only do music by reading notation or watching a YT tutorial instead of learning the pleasure of creating and arranging on their own....Good luck to you, Dr. Q

[@newyorkfilharmonik110]

Sorry dude. "Ode to Joy' is from the 9th Symphony by Beethoven. Wrong B (Bach, Brahms. Beethoven).

[@jeffhogsten3803]

How can you say you never need a. Minor scale.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Simplicity breeds confidence. Confidence breeds creativity. Minor scales are not essential at the outset.

[@datrucksdavea2080]

ty

[@gerardvila4685]

I have two opposite feelings. On the one hand, 90% of what he's saying makes perfect sense. Classical music has become the slave of repetition to an extent that would disgust, eg, Mozart. In his day if you couldn't improvise then no musician would give you the time of day. On the other hand, why the big fuss about reading music? I can't sight read piano worth a damn, but I sing in a choir and I'm a bass, so I can [edit: pick out] a melody in bass clef no problem. It isn't rocket science. And I do intend to get better at sight reading as well as doing my own thing. You might as well advise a writer not to read any books! It's only by playing a piece yourself that you can really "get into" it and appreciate [edit: the genius of the composer and] the playing of more gifted musicians. [Edit: And while no art teacher would tell their students to do "nothing but" copy the Mona Lisa, innumerable art students have done copies of the great masters to acquire their technique, just as poets will write verses in the style of previous poets, etc.]

[@samspianos]

Ode to Joy from Beethovens 9th Sympathy

[@joeynuggetz]

It's disheartening when you are sharing or playing music that touches you to someone and have them not "get it" while you practically have a tear in your eye listening to it and they talk over it or change the subject. So I totally get the "why".

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Nothing is more disheartening than playing to a group that thinks they're in an elevator.

[@kmastanz]

After you've learned how to read music by classical Masters it's easier to compose or as you say create your own music I think

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Dear kmastanz: I took 5 years of piano lessons, from age 5 to age 10. I hated the lessons, I hated practicing and I never really learned to read music much beyond what is in this entire program. But with the addition of a chord chart, I had learned enough - the treble clef - to read fake books. I finally decided, at age 12, to become a jazz pianist. This program is not aimed at what I call "composing". When I was a jazz pianist 65 years ago, it was called improvising, meaning that I took someone else's wonderful musical creation and added to it. That's what this program is about. I call it the "Magic Starting Point", the point at which a person can learn, either by listening (very hard for a beginner) or by reading absolutely basic music (fake book simplicity), to play a basic song in the key of C. That means no more than basic left-hand chords (mostly 3 note and some 4 note chords, like 7ths) and the right-hand melody, one note at a time. That is when creativity begins - to add harmonies, complex chords, different rhythms, more bass etc. When finished, it is a brand new arrangement that belongs to that person alone. But I don't think it deserves the word composing. Call it "improvising" or "arranging". Either word qualifies as "creativity". Since I never reached the point of reading music by classical masters, I have no way of knowing if it would have helped me in my musical life. I only know that I have had a huge amount of fun playing by ear. I hope that my program has or someday will make your life better. Thank you for watching, good luck and don't give up. John

[@declandougan7243]

@kmastanz. It is absolutely not made easier by reading. Reading teaches you nothing about how to compose.

[@johnonorgan]

its like you cant teach someone to play the haronica you can or you cant

[@bobkmeyer]

❤😇👏

[@usernamemykel]

"Ultimately die of boredom" - FUNNY!!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

When I stop laughing or stop trying to help others laugh, I'll be ready to leave this planet. Thank you.

[@davidfiorello5526]

As a child I've always been

[@tamenamoa3468]

25:00

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

25:00 what?

[@skrifefeil3634]

You are my brotha from anotha motha 😊🎶

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Thank you (I think - I'm 80 years old and still living in the 19th century!).

[@LawrencRJUTube]

Well, John -- you have lost me. To teach yourself to read music, there is no need whatever to know anything about the treble cleff. I learned to play both guitar and piano and harmonica be ear without ever looking at any page of music notation. And most of the people I know who play be ear know absolutely NOTHING about what the lines and spaces on a staff mean. I was playing by ear for YEARS before I ever started learning to read music. And I learned to read music so that I could learn the tune to songs that I had no opportunity to hear. And before I could site read I memorized a few classical pieces like The Moonlight Sonata AND PLAYING IT IS NOT BORING! People who can't play an instrument of any kind are NOT bored by listening to good music. And I enjoy playing pieces that I have memorized from sheet music and enjoy the music more if I am playing it rather than listening to someone else play it. I enjoy your playing very much but you lost me when you pulled out the sheet music. I know one fantastic piano player who plays by ear who DOESN'T WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT musical notation - she doesn't even want to learn the names of the chords she is playing. She feels that it will spoil her playing to learn anything beyond how to lift the lid that covers the keyboard. The words "minor" and "major" meant nothing to her. I learned chords because my first instrument was guitar. People who are blind learn to play by ear with NO PROBLEM. You seem to be deviating from what you said earlier about there being no creativity in reading music and now you are showing a page of music and telling us where C is on the treble and bass staff. I was very interested in how you were going to approach helping a person to teach themselves how to play piano by ear. And I am very disappointed in your explaining the pattern of the diatonic scale with five whole steps and two half steps with whole step in groups of two and three and half steps alone. A person who can sing or hum a tune KNOW the tune to the solva -- do re mi fa so la ti do. And knowing that "solfa" tune they can start any place on the keyboard and play the scale by ear without actually thinking about whole steps and half steps. It easier if they start on C or F or G but once they can sing the "solfa" they don't need to know that from "mi" to "fa" and from "ti" to "do" are half steps and the other intervals are whole steps. It comes naturally to a person who can learn a tune. The scale is actually just a tune like any other song that you learn. I was expecting more from your second lesson. Apparently, John, you started music lessons and learned to read a little before you started to learn to play by ear and so you think that a reference to the treble cleff is important in learning to play by ear -- BUT IT ISN'T! Bothering with musical notation is a hindrance rather than a help in learning to play by ear. Your "tests "on the first lessons were very good. And i loved your renditions of America the Beautiful and of Amazing Grace. If you have a youtube channel where you play "the standerds" I would subscribe to it and watch it, but am no longer interested in your approach to helping people to play the piano by ear. The best approach to learning to play any instrument by ear is to avoid written notation like the plague!.

[@James-io8lj]

come on you are not celebrating playing by ear so much as damning the method of playing by music

[@cawaidesne]

I feel so lucky that I have found your chanel!

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

Thank you. Part 8 (chords and the left hand) will be out very soon.

[@gmcxm211]

Oh my gosh John, why aren't you teaching music in a classroom? I guess online you can reach more people. One thing of learning music by reading music to copy a composer. When you go to a symphony, you go there in hopes that the orchestra can play a piece of music exactly as it was written by any of the famous composers. They didn't have any kind of recording devices back then to record their music. So today, the only way to listen to what they composed is to play their music exactly. BUT, how did those composers compose their own music? By ear! So you're 99% right, music is creativity, and you have to have your own creativity. But you also need to preserve someone else's creativity by playing their music exactly to how they composed it.

[@Thephilosophyofpianobyear]

I'm not opposed to reading music. I just don't think that the "ego" rewards of reading come close to the incredible joy of creativity provided by playing by ear.

[@proteus1]

University music lecturers have the lifestyles so keep the students coming in for profit. A piece of paper says I can play the instruments and I copy exactly, yet this stops creativity.