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Playing by Ear

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Path to Playing by Ear

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We've curated 17 courses to help you on your path to Playing by Ear. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

We've selected 30 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Playing by Ear.
This comprehensive guide aims to bridge the gap between hearing music and being able to notate it, a crucial skill for playing by ear at a professional level. It's widely regarded as a valuable textbook for developing advanced aural skills and is used in many music programs. While challenging, it provides a deep understanding of musical structure through listening.
Provides a comprehensive, research-based curriculum in aural skills, which are foundational to playing by ear. It includes instruction and exercises for ear training and sight singing, carefully coordinated with musical examples. This widely used textbook in academic institutions for developing fundamental musicianship.
This guide offers a comprehensive approach to playing by ear, combining aural skills development with musical improvisation. It is designed to help musicians of all levels improve their ability to play and create music without relying on written scores.
This widely used textbook in college-level aural skills courses, providing a systematic approach to ear training. It covers a broad range of concepts and includes numerous exercises designed to improve aural perception and understanding of musical elements. It core resource for students pursuing formal music education.
Considered a leading textbook in jazz improvisation, this book integrates ear training with theoretical concepts and practical exercises. It's designed to help musicians develop their soloing skills by understanding and hearing the underlying harmony and melody. It's a key resource for students and professionals in jazz studies.
This textbook offers an integrated approach to music theory, analysis, and aural skills. It helps students understand how theoretical concepts relate to what they hear, which is crucial for playing by ear. It is commonly used in undergraduate music programs and provides a strong foundation in musicianship.
Provides a practical guide to developing harmonic ear training skills across various contemporary genres like pop, rock, Latin, fusion, and jazz. It emphasizes applying ear training to real musical situations, making it highly useful for musicians of all levels. It serves as a valuable resource for both self-study and classroom use.
This seminal text in jazz theory and is invaluable for those interested in playing jazz by ear, particularly at the intermediate to advanced levels. It provides a deep understanding of jazz harmony, scales, and improvisation techniques, which are fundamental to aural comprehension in this genre.
Similar to 'The Art of Improvisation,' this book focuses on overcoming psychological obstacles to musical expression and improvisation. It encourages musicians to trust their ears and innate musicality, which is directly applicable to playing by ear. It's a highly influential book for musicians seeking creative freedom.
Presents a unique approach to jazz phrasing and rhythm, crucial elements for improvising and playing by ear in a jazz context. It focuses on the concept of beat and note placement to create more fluid and logical lines. It's a valuable resource for intermediate to advanced jazz musicians seeking to refine their aural and performance skills.
While not solely focused on ear training, this classic textbook provides a deep understanding of tonal harmony and voice leading, which are essential components of music that one needs to recognize by ear. It fundamental resource for students of music theory at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
As a Berklee Guide, this book offers a structured approach to developing fundamental ear training skills. It includes exercises for all instruments and online audio, making it a practical resource for beginners to improve musical memory and play by ear. It is commonly used in academic settings for introductory aural skills.
Offers an integrated approach to ear training and theory, relating musical sounds to their symbols. It is designed for students of all instruments and singers, providing exercises and materials for developing aural skills alongside theoretical understanding. It is part of a series that can be used for structured learning.
This volume delves into the theory and application of modal jazz, a key area for contemporary improvisation and playing by ear in modern jazz styles. It provides a framework for understanding and utilizing modes and their associated harmonies. It's a valuable resource for students and professionals focusing on jazz composition and improvisation.
This concise version of a comprehensive harmony textbook provides a solid understanding of tonal harmony, which is foundational for recognizing chord progressions and harmonic movement by ear. It valuable resource for students needing a focused approach to harmony.
This resource offers a practical approach to ear training with exercises designed to be applicable to real musical situations. It aims to develop the ability to hear and understand music in a functional way, which is directly relevant to playing by ear. It's a useful tool for students seeking to connect their aural training to performance.
Based on research into how musicians develop aural skills, this book provides insights into the learning process. It's particularly valuable for educators and advanced students seeking a deeper understanding of aural skill development. While not a method book itself, it offers a theoretical foundation that can inform practice and teaching.
Focuses on the fundamental building blocks of ear training: intervals and rhythms. It provides targeted exercises to help students accurately recognize and reproduce these essential musical elements by ear. It's a practical workbook suitable for beginners and those looking to solidify their basic aural skills.
Is geared towards musicians who want to develop advanced ear training skills. It covers more complex concepts and techniques for recognizing intricate melodies, harmonies, and rhythms by ear, suitable for those looking to deepen their aural abilities.
Delves into the theoretical concepts behind modern jazz, providing a framework for understanding and hearing complex harmonies and structures. While primarily a theory book, a strong theoretical understanding is crucial for advanced ear training and improvisation in jazz. It's suitable for advanced students and professionals.
Part of the 'Do-It-Yourself' series, this book provides a step-by-step guide to developing essential listening skills. It's designed for self-study and includes audio examples to facilitate learning. is well-suited for beginners and those looking for a structured approach to foundational ear training without formal instruction.
Explores the science and psychology behind our experience of music. Understanding how the brain processes music can provide a deeper appreciation for the act of listening and recognizing musical elements by ear. It offers a broader context for the cognitive aspects of playing by ear.
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