A guide to playing piano by ear and learning by rote

Maybe piano lessons don’t suit you, and tuition books don’t inspire you. You prefer to simply stream your favourite tune then work it out by ear. The beauty of piano is that there’s no ‘correct’ learning method, and learning songs by ear just by listening and repeating is just as valid as the more scholarly routes. But stick to our tips and you’ll be on your way to skilled playing in no time.

Choose the right song

When your ear is trained, you’ll be able to unpick complex compositions without breaking a sweat, but when you’re starting out, it’s best to choose a song with a manageable tempo and a strong melody. Listen a few times without touching the piano, then try to replicate the right-hand melody, exploring higher and lower keys until you hit the correct notes. Once you can play the melody smoothly, focus on the left hand, exploring which chords add harmony and make the song feel full.

Train your ear to recognise musical notes

Some musicians are born with a better ear than others, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve what nature gave you. Here’s a useful exercise to teach yourself to play piano by ear: ask a friend to play two different notes on the piano (while you look away) and try to work out which one is higher and lower. As your ear improves, ask your friend to choose notes that are closer together (making them harder to differentiate). Do this exercise regularly and you’ll be surprised how fast your ear sharpens up – and how much easier it becomes to work out your favourite songs.

Watch as well as listen

Listening to your chosen song is the obvious first step in learning a new song, but if you get stuck, there’s always the option of watching an experienced pianist perform it and learning by rote. Most popular songs have been covered by a pianist on YouTube, and watching their performance on a tablet or laptop while you sit at your keyboard is a great way to learn everything from hands position to pedal technique – all without having to read a note of music theory.

Piano student using her tablet to learn how to play

Pianist using a tablet to learn to play piano

Choose a piano that supports you

Roland’s digital pianos are loaded with features to help you learn to play by ear. With a choice of onboard piano tones, it’s easy to replicate songs in a range of styles, which in turn keeps you inspired. By using the onboard recorder, it’s simple to capture your playing, then listen back and assess where you’re going wrong. If you have a pianist friend, try Twin Piano mode, which splits the keyboard into two identical key ranges, so you can sit side-by-side and replicate what they play in the same key range. Finally, if you’re worried about disturbing the neighbours, take advantage of the controllable volume and headphones option to practise late into the night. Our latest HP and LX digital pianos even offer Bluetooth connectivity that lets you accompany your favourite song as it streams through the piano speakers.

Other piano learning methods

Piano Lessons

Even in an online world, there's still a strong case for one-on-one lessons with a piano teacher. Find the right tutor and they'll be able to give you tailored advice on everything from reading music to nailing your technique - plus the encouragement to keep pushing when the going gets tough. Find out more about this approach here.

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Learn Online

Learning piano online has grown in popularity in recent years as learning piano software has developed. Our guide presents some of the current options available; from YouTube piano lessons to free trials of some of the newest learning software. Whether you're into classical music or the latest hit tunes, simply search for your favourite songs and you'll find what you need to get started.

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Sheet Music

They might look like blobs and squiggles now, but by learning to read music notation, you'll be able to speak the universal musical language, perform more adventurous pieces and even transcribe (or write down) your own musical compositions. Find out more about this approach here - including some apps and digital piano features that can help you get started.

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