“Students usually fall into one of two categories…they find it easier to to learn by ear or they prefer to read. Each method has its advantages.
“Playing by ear means learning music by listening instead of reading. It is very similar to learning to speak a language by hearing others speak. One advantage this method of learning has is that it helps in developing the ability to memorize music. To learn a song by ear you have to listen to a section of music, figure out how to play the notes, and practice the sequence until you remember it. Then you go on to the next section of music and do the same until you get to the end of the song. In doing this you have the song memorized by the time you get to the end.
“Learning by ear is also beneficial for improvisation. While learning a song by ear you are listening to short musical patterns and copying them. While practicing these note patterns you are internalizing them so that you can recall them when you are improvising.
“Another advantage to learning by ear is that you are not only learning the notes and rhythm of the song you are learning but also the expression of the person playing it. By listening to others play and emulating their unique styles you will be able to develop your own style of playing based on what you like about others’ styles.
“Learning to read music has its advantages as well. Learning to read music allows you to play volumes of music that would be difficult to play by ear because you don’t have to learn and memorize the music in order to play it. If the music is at a basic enough level for you, you could play through an entire book in one setting. This is especially helpful for gigs that are a few hours long. If you have enough sheet music you can play all night.
“Another advantage to reading music is that it helps in learning music theory. You can see the notes and rhythms on the page which is beneficial in analyzing chord structures, chord progressions, and the melody’s relationship to that chord progression.
“Seeing music on a page is similar to seeing a word written out on a page. If you aren’t sure how to pronounce a word, if you see it written you can more easily say the word correctly. In music it is helpful to see the music written out because there is no doubt what the notes and rhythms are that are spelled out before you.
“Having a well rounded approach to music learning is advisable so that you give yourself every advantage to learning and playing. Spend time learning by ear and and reading so that you develop both skills to use when necessary.”
~Jason Theiste
