Play Piano By Ear

Recently I taught a student how to compose a song. This episode takes you through that whole process along with us!

The title says it all. :) I’m exited to share some life updates as well as offer 4 keys to keeping a song flowing when you make it up on the spot. Stay till the end for a fun student story.

This episode covers sooooo many fun things!!! What is the I, IV, V progression? Why is it played so often before a song? Where does the “one, four, five” come from anyway? And some cool bonuses: what does God have to say about harmony? What is a minor diminished chord? How does the minor diminished chord relate to the V7 chord? And lots of examples on the piano with a song composed on the spot.

I’ll be playing through some favorite chord progressions (dramatic/happy/calm) and using the piano to describe how chords sound different depending how you play them.

In this episode I tell you what to google to find great piano chord charts. I also explain ways to begin playing the chord charts on the piano.

As playing-by-ear musicians, we often come up with fun little tunes in our head. This episode describes how to take one of those tunes and figure out the rhythm. Listen til the end to hear a clear, easy example! (It starts with a harder one!!)

This episode describes how I would practice - by ear and also with my piano books. There’s a great way you can use each technique to lead into the other. Guidelines give opportunity for creativity! Learn effective ways to enhance your practice time!

Variation/medley of well-known hymns - all by ear. Includes: Great is Thy Faithfulness, A Mighty Fortress, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, Blessed Assurance, Amazing Grace, Morning Has Broken, and more. 😊

This is the second episode of 100% piano instrumental music - songs from my heart. It’s all by ear and I’m just playing wherever the music flows! Listen for a variety of key and rhythm changes.

Personally, this is my favorite topic to explore when it comes to the piano! I didn’t learn about the circle of 5ths until after 5 years of piano lessons. Once I learned it, it was like a lightbulb went on in my head! Chords made sense, and I could play any song in any key by ear! This episode explores the amazing connection of the circle of 5ths - there are circles within circles! I so wish this concept was taught in every introductory piano book!