Music by ear or notation?

September 17, 2018 4:40pm CST
I'm a self taught musician who's learned to play the guitar and piano by ear. I can tune the guitar without the help of a tuner. But I'm lacking some important theory aspects. Do you think notation is important when it comes to playing the piano? or should I learn pieces of music as I've been doing, just by hearing and playing?
5 people like this
9 responses
@MALUSE (69409)
• Germany
17 Sep 18
A strange question in my opinion. How can strangers tell you what is necessary for you or not? You seem to know the answer yourself already. If you know that you lack theory aspects, then learn them.
2 people like this
18 Sep 18
Thank you for your comment! Yes I know I'm lacking some theory aspects but I'm striving to learn a little more about it. I think I should have been clearer with my question, I was asking specifically about what is prefered, to either play just by ear or to use notation?
• Siliguri, India
18 Sep 18
But keep some theoritical knowledge it will just boost up your tallent. You may be able to learn and understand music faster.
1 person likes this
18 Sep 18
Thank you for you suggestion!
1 person likes this
@mesbakh (2284)
• Indonesia
18 Sep 18
i think by ear
1 person likes this
@ShifaLk (17817)
• India
17 Sep 18
Wow. Without learning you can play? Surely that's a God's gift
1 person likes this
18 Sep 18
Music by hearing is for me. I feel like its difficult for me to read notes. I am not good at notes.
1 person likes this
• Siliguri, India
18 Sep 18
Keep practicing hearing and playing. It is the most important quality needed to play any instruments. If you can play a music by just listening then don't worry, you gonna rock
1 person likes this
@gjabaigar (2200)
• Philippines
20 Sep 18
That's great talents and skills, David. And, every musician should have good musical ears. So, there is no tone deaf, missed tones or wrong routines or practicing a piece or song. There are pros and cons to just using only by ear. And, as well as the ability to musical notations only, there are also pros and cons. So, why not do the same. Do by your musical ear abilities and do notations also as well. But, yeah, it is hard to be done. Once you practice that one, you can do the other, because of too much comfortable. But in case you really need it, just do it confidently. I myself play piano/keyboard/guitar but I'm more on notes and chordings. I can memorize some, but not more or many. For self-satisfaction only. Not been on jamming sessions.
@betlynfrnds (4067)
• United States
22 Sep 18
I've actually done both - play by ear and read. I think there are advantages to either of the ways. When you can do both, then you are increasing your musical horizons.
• Philippines
19 Sep 18
,,,just do.what you can do.best.. ive known musicians that dont read notes.but can play a piece just by ear...