In this article, we seek to help you understand how Playing Music By Ear works and what it takes to get there.

Click here to watch a clip to be inspired and know that how Play By Ear (TM) is the place where dreams are possible.

Secret #1: All the best musicians in the world (including Bach, Mozart, Beethoven to today's modern musicians like Yanni, Kavana, Pavarotti, etc.) play/make music by ear.

Secret#2: Long before music notation was invented by the monks during the Renaissance period, Playing By Ear is the ORIGINAL and NATURAL way to learn music for the past 6000+ years. It has always been and today, it still is.

Today, one such musician we can relate to easily is the Lounge Pianist. He plays so well and enjoys himself so much that we all wish we could play like him. He just listens to a tune for a while, tinkers around to find the melody, works out the left hand part. Finally, he puts all the parts together and voila, a beautiful tune! It all looked so easy! What wouldn’t you give to play like him?

Definition & Play By Ear (TM)’s Role

The above person is regarded as a Play By Ear musician because of his ability to make music up impromptu (well, almost - depending on how experienced he is) as he goes along. The phrase "Play By Ear" normally means "Make decisions along the way". In the music world, "Playing Music By Ear" refers to the "Art of Making Music". It means being able to construct/make music on your own, especially in your own style, with little or no reliance on notation to guide you.

More and more people and institutions are realizing that it is a VERY IMPORTANT aspect of learning music. It is also found that 95% of people have the talent to "Play By Ear" in various degrees (Dr Tim Spectre of the Twin Research Centre, St Thomas Hospital, London). Our estimate is that only a lucky 5% got it by trial and error. For the rest, most of them NEVER knew they had that ability despite all their many years spent in mastering their instrument (e.g. 9 years in Piano Certification). They could have acquired that skill quite easily. There are also some who have achieved some ability but are unsure about the correctness of their implementation. They mostly have a smattering of vague concepts here and there. That's where we can help.

To this aim, the Play By Ear (TM) Method endeavours to help this remainder 90% of talented people like you to get going in the fastest time possible instead of taking years through the conventional way or even longer by trial and error.

In twenty weeks... I'velearnt how to play my own songs! Make them up... find the chords and play. It's very easy to do. My mother says I'm a ten-year old talent. [Ong Mei Yen (10) Malacca]

What’s so special about Play By Ear (TM)?

Learning the secrets to play music by ear gives you a special ability to make music in your own style with details that are uniquely yours. Instead of playing a song in only one style which is what music students commonly do, you have the capability, spontaneity and the versatility to make many beautiful variations. Seldom do you get two musicians playing exactly the same unless one copies the other wholesale (which would make the 2nd one a "Play From Memory" performer - a totally different lower category altogether).

We believe that being able to play music by ear is a dream which you and many others hoped to achieve but never got anywhere near because you are not being taught about it in your current music lessons. Too bad it is a subject not every music teacher is well versed with.

As mentioned, it is about learning the “Art of Making Music” (not the instrument) and has a lot to do with achieving musicality. By achieving it, you heighten your sensitivity and awareness to sound. Anybody on this plane will attest that it puts you into another exhilarating dimension of life which is "better than drugs", so to speak! What you achieve out of it henceforth depends on how much you apply it and how well you develop your ability. Some people find satisfaction in just playing their favorite songs in easy keys. Some made detailed arrangements and put it in writing (See William Saw’s case)

Mr. William Saw of Cheras arranged his favorite songs in his own style midway through the 6 month Play By Ear (TM) Course. On his own initiative, using music rudiments he has learnt, WROTE down his arrangements ALL BY HIMSELF!

What is it comprised of?

The Play By Ear (TM) Method teaches this “Art of Making Music” which comprises a collection of principles, formulas, guidelines and methods that ALL real musicians MUST have in order to make music. What Play By Ear Sdn. Bhd. did was to refine the method, organized it into an interesting and complete system, such that you can now minus out the years of hard knocks, stagnation, unmonitored trial and error, etc. that most unmonitored budding musicians face.

The Play By Ear (TM) Method also applies many Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) principles to help overcome many "mental blocks" (e.g. stiff fingers, bad-coordination, no rhythm sense, no musicality, etc. ) which many aspirants are plagued with and which many coventional method teachers find hard to overcome. If you are one such person, you should see us. If you are a teacher and you have students like such, send them to us.

Alex Leow, the founder, has since 1979, spent years compiling and organizing his many years of experience since childhood so that you can play like a hobbyist in only 6 months, an interactive musician in the next 6 months and a semi-professional musician in the following 12 months after that instead of taking many years. To achieve other abilities you need to continue to other appropriate levels. We will cover more of that later.

What is it not?

There is a strong tendency to confuse Playing Music By Ear with piano lessons, pop music lessons or cyber-music lessons. Play By Ear (TM) lessons are not piano lessons (nor any other instrument mastery lessons, for that matter). Piano lessons concentrate on the mastery and development of pianistic skills and techniques required for piano performances.

The Play By Ear (TM) Method is about the “Art of Making Music” (as earlier mentioned) which involves the learning of formulas and skills to allow you to “MAKE” music like a musician, not just play the instrument. We consider the ability to Play By Ear (TM) a prerequisite to becoming a REAL MUSICIAN.

Pianistic skills and techniques by themselves without the inclusion of Playing Music By Ear skills will NOT be enough make you a musician. It is small wonder that a sizeable number of high graders and music diploma holders are unable to play creatively or with decent musicality.

It is also not Pop Piano courses, which basically substitute classical songs with pop songs. They are still ‘technically based”. Their emphasis are more on songs & techniques and not so much on the formulas that make music.

Nor is it Cyber / Computer music courses which basically rehash the same things above with the aid of computers.

You should BE CLEAR on this concept first before you start your music lessons. It is no fun going through all the above, having paid your fees and invested your time to find that you are still inadequate as a musician many years later!

Does it mean I do not have to read musical notes?

We NEVER advocate the doing away with the ability to read musical notes.

However, we do understand there are different types of people and a large majority of people are Auditory and Kinaesthetic when it comes to music. Playing music by reading notes requires one to be Visual. And a large majority of people are uncomfortable when it comes to using Visual means to play music. In the first place, music is an Auditory and Kinaesthetic art!

If one considers this matter carefully, one will come to an understanding that musical notations serve little in the artistic development of music except for the encoding of good musical ideas for posterity. In the absence of electricity, the pen serves as the best tool for recording great works done. Today, because of the availability of electricity and the invention of the phonograph (thanks to Thomas Edison), the best medium to transfer musical ideas to posterity is actually the Cassette Tape, CD or MP3 player! Think about this point carefully with no bias and you will understand where we are coming from! No offence meant, but a person who can only play strictly according to musical notation is nothing more than a "glorified media player".

In recapitulation, for a complete education, the Play By Ear (TM) Method DOES NOT do away with musical notes and important rudiments. Basically, you learn to use your feelings and hearing more than you use musical notation. You use these rudiments only in cases where your ears fail you or when you desire to understand more through written means. It is also a means to transfer your idea across if you have created a song or a musical arrangement. Its main intention is to make you a total musician through EASIER means.

Is it better?

It depends on what you want to achieve. For example, do you just want to master the piano or are you seeking to learn the "art of making music"? In piano mastery, you learn the techniques of handling the equipment which to this purpose, requires some note and rote. In the art of making music, you get to understand the formulas, principles and methods involved in the making of music. We are now assuming that you will choose the latter.

You will make music creatively as your mood dictates in a versatile and spontaneous manner. In short, you achieve musicality more easily through this approach. We strongly believe that almost everybody actually desires this instead of just the ability to play the instrument. Once you have learnt how to Play By Ear (TM), learning any musical instrument will come easily.

We believe it is a very essential element every budding musician should NOT miss in his/her musical development.

The Play By Ear (TM) Method, as developed by us, involves using the natural & experiential way to learn music. By doing so, it makes it a definitely more enjoyable means of learning than conventional means. Skills learnt also tend to be retained longer too. This method of ours will also save you time because, in 20 sessions (5-6 months), you can play like as though you have learnt 5 or more years the conventional way. (See Douglas Wan’s case.)

Douglas Wan is a special case who took the PBE course when he was 6 years old. His academic schoolteacher, after listening to his performance, assumed he was a Grade 5 piano student which normally requires 6 years training. What a surprise when she found out that he only had 1 year‘s training!

Having said that, we wish to clarify that it is NOT a shortcut. No corners were trimmed to get results. It is actually a legitimate route to achieve an end: To play music enjoyably and spontaneously; not just "by the book". We teach you how to use your gut feelings and ears to work things out instead of solely depending on notation.

How can I achieve that?

In order to do that, you need to:

* have enough musical talent. (More on that later....)
* then you must have the WILL/DESIRE/INTEREST to do achieve it.
* and, to save time, you need someone knowledgeable, versatile, articulate, musically sound and pedagogically trained (very important!) to teach you so that you can understand the various elements of music quickly (instead of taking many years).

Here, we wish to caution that while many people claim to know the formulas, most of them lack the above qualities to teach them across. A good musician is not necessarily a good teacher. Note the difference and choose carefully.

When you have understood the principles, then you can apply these principles to construct your favorite songs.

Can I do a self study course on that?

That's possible. There are plenty of self-study materials that you can buy from the book stores and over the internet. However, our findings is that few people are disciplined enough to go all the way with it. It is also a known fact that 90% of people never got beyond the 1st chapter of the books they buy. You need to make an assessment before you do the purchase. (Spending "small" money without getting the results is an expensive affair over the long term. Donald Trump always believe in spending top dollars for what gives the best results - which is cheaper in the long run. This is probably how he became a billionaire. See his book: Think like a Billionaire )

Most people need interactive guidance, namely, the presence of a teacher/instructor. Even then, a small percentage will go "missing in action" (MIA) but that's better odds than self study. Hiring one will cost you more but then again, it is better to have paid more to achieve results than to pay little and achieve nothing at all. Besides, as you learn, you need feedback from a trained professional to help you improve.

While the Play By Ear (TM) Method teaches you to be independent, most people initially need to be guided on how to "teach yourself".

For the big majority of people, our recommendation is: Use the interactive approach first. Distance is no problem nowadays because of broadband, webcams and dedicated music softwares. Once you are fairly competent, then go for the self study courses to strengthen yourself. In fact, we also recommend that you join various societies and interest group to widen your exposure. Having it "up there" only in your brain but not in your fingers does not make you a musician.

Can I apply it songs I do not know?

This is just like asking: "Can I score 'A' or top marks for a subject I did not study to get familiar with?" No? That’s precisely the point. Strictly speaking, nobody can, nor wants to play songs they don’t know.

The intention of the question can be rephrased in 2 possible ways:

Question 1: "If I can't read notes, then wouldn't it be to my disadvantage if I am given the score sheet?"
Answer: The mastery of reading note is a separate subject altogether. Although the Play By Ear (TM) Method gives some knowledge on musical notation, the emphasis initially is towards using your sense of hearing and feelings to make music. The use of musical notations comes later when one has become more musically adept. If you want to play by reading notes right from the beginning, we recommend that you sign up for theory classes. In fact, it is better that you take up theory and Play By Ear (TM) at the same time!

Question 2: “Can it be applied to songs I have heard before but have not come to the stage of being totally familiar with it?”
Answer: NO. It can only be applied to songs or part of songs that you can, at least, visualize, hum or sing/vocalize. Just like in the real world where you cannot hope to score 'A' for subjects you are not totally familiar with, it's no different for music. Similarly, by conventional means, neither would you, as an amateur, be able to properly play a complex classical tune you have never heard before without frustration. You will be hard put to interpret it unless a trained person (e.g. teacher) helps you out with the interpretation. And that works best when the teacher repeatedly performs that song for you.

Simply put: “You cannot actualize what you cannot visualize.”

Can I achieve it all at once? If not, how long?

We do not claim to be miracle workers although we could well be praised for seemingly being so. On record, we have enabled people to play a song in its simplest manner with both hands TOTALLY BY EAR (not just memorizing) within 30 minutes but of course, there is more to quality music than just that. It is NOT a magic pill that you swallow and presto! You’re there.

Our courses are lesson based and not exactly bounded by time. Playing Music By Ear is divided into a few stages:

• [Level 1] - 20 sessions 6 - 12 months (with exceptions),
• [Level 2] - 20 sessions 6 - 12 months (with exceptions),
• [Level 3 A & B] - 20 sessions 6 - 12 months (with exceptions) EACH
• For others, refer to "Other Services"

For your information:

• Level 1 covers the elements meant for a Hobbyist Musician. By conventional means, the average person will take about 6 years to figure this out.

• Level 2 covers the elements meant for a Ensemble, Accompanist and Interactive Performance Musician. By conventional means, it will not be possible for the average person to achieve this at all unless he has a group of like minded friends work together on this or unless you go to a music college.

• Level 3 covers the elements meant for a Semi-professional which is also out of reach for the average person unless he has been performing a lot on an impromptu basis.

From here, you can see how much time (and money) you will save. You can also see there are things you will learn that chances are, you will never be able to learn if you try to do it on your own.

Of course you still require time to cover all the various aspects properly but then again, it is a really much shorter time compared to conventional means now that the trial and error element is removed. Of course, your talent level and desire will also determine how soon you will achieve it.

And then there are other aspects of music to cover if you are interested. See "Other Services" for details.

Whatever it is, for the same effort, musicality wise, you will achieve it sooner through the Play By Ear (TM) Course than through the conventional way.

Is it very easy?

Most of the time, it is much easier than the conventional system. However, there may be sections where things get rough and painful (since when has growth been painless?). One of our students, a professor from Middlesex University, aptly put it as: “It is a pleasurable, enjoyable kind of pain!” Because you learn using the ‘experiential method’ – similar to the way you learn to ride a bicycle or learn your mother tongue - it sinks in much more naturally.

Another student: Dr Gita of University Malaya, said that "It is more rewarding than enjoyable" That's because learning does involve stress. Obviously, stress is not exactly an enjoyable thing. However, when you achieve the results, it is a highly rewarding experience.

Who is it suitable for?

It is suitable for anybody who wants to play music as a hobby. Yet, it is lso suitable for people who intends to make a living/career out of music in a creative way. e.g. Performers, Music Arrangers, Composers, Jingles writers, Sessionists, Sound Engineers,‘Play By Ear (TM) teachers; etc.

This course is suitable for anybody having reasonable musical talent, a strong desire, a well-developed thought faculty and reasonable coordination ability. So far, our oldest student is 80 years old.

8 years old Rachel Yong of Penang is another talented child who could not thrive under the conventional system. She says: “I felt bored, tensed and pressured (with the conventional lesson). With the Play By Ear (TM) Method, I’m very relaxed and enjoy myself. (Now,) without books, I’m able to play Disney songs from CD, Tapes, Radio, etc. Thanks...” Her father, Augustine Yong, also took up Play By Ear (TM) lessons with his daughter. Now he says: “I was a (conventional piano) ‘dropout’... takes too long to be able to play. ... Now I am able to play my favorite tunes after the 3rd lesson in my style, my mood. The Play By Ear (TM) Method works for me.”

How do I know if I have what it takes?

You need to take the Talent Evaluation Test; it is a professional service (RM50.00 basic rate until further notice) which help measure your ability to discern the various movements of sound plus your dexterity. (Call us for the latest local, house call and outstation rates). We recommend that you do NOT judge yourself! Almost everybody we know underrate themselves. Take the test to find out and then we will advise you accordingly. If you have enough talent, you will definitely benefit from this course.

Does it require a lot of practice time?

That depends on what you want to achieve and also your level of talent. To understand the concept, not much time is needed. That is easily achieved during your class. To play for self-entertainment where perfection is not the criteria, a few hours of decent practice is enough for the average student. To make it a perfect performance, more time is definitely required. (Of course there are other things to overcome like musicality, stage fright, etc.)

For example: To understand the Shakespearean poetry, a few times of reading and some explanation in class are enough. To recite to yourself or family members where imperfection is tolerated, a few hours of practice are required. To recite it in public, you’d be inclined to practice everyday! In all the above, a highly talented person will get results faster than an average talent. Nevertheless, both will get there.

Here's some good advice: "John Erskine learned the most valuable lesson of his life, when he was only fourteen years old. His piano teacher asked him, "How many times a week do you practice, and how long do you practice each time?" He told her that he tried to practice once daily for an hour or more. "Don't do that," she responded. "When you grow up, time won't come in long stretches. Practice in minutes, whenever you can find them - five or ten before school, after lunch, between chores. Spread your practice throughout the day, and music will become a part of your life." Her advice obviously worked. Erskine became a concert pianist who performed with the New York Philharmonic, and he later served as President of the Juilliard School of Music and Director of the Metropolitan Opera Association. He also went on to teach literature at Columbia University and wrote more than forty-five books. His most famous work, "The Private Life of Helen of Troy", was written as he commuted to Columbia."

Are conventional methods & Playing by Ear compatible?

Actually, YES! They are very, very compatible. In fact, they work hand in glove (contrary to what many conventional teachers may think). Playing by Ear provides the musicality, creativity and overall concepts (Right Brain). Technical lessons (Piano, Guitar, Flute, Violins, Accordions, Harmonicas, etc.) take over to provide the pianistic/technical skills and finer techniques to allow the creativity and musicality to flow smoothly (Left Brain). In fact, it is the ideal scenario to have both skills. It has been reported that students who take the Play By Ear (TM) course do better musically at the conventional system. (See Ashwin’s case)

Ashyin (9) of lpoh, who takes conventional piano classes along with the Play By Ear (TM) Course, says: “I have improved in my conventional classes... I play the exam pieces By EAR... can play any chords you request.. I have a skill (for life). .. I am very lucky to go for this (PBE) class...”

You seem to use mostly piano to teach. Is it only for the Piano?

No. Play By Ear (TM) is a universal concept and works for all instruments. The Piano and Keyboard are the best vehicles to teach the ideas across quickly. Once understood, you can apply to any other instrument. Play By Ear (TM) musicians tend to and can be multi-instrumentalists.

Can I do JAZZ, IMPROVISATION & ARRANGEMENT after that?

Yes. And you will do it much more easily too because you are trained to be spontaneous, creative and versatile. Jazz is a very much misunderstood art. It is very hard to do Jazz when you are trained to follow exactly as written. When a well-known examination body introduced the Jazz examination as an alternative to the Piano examination, many were interested but many "traditional" piano teachers were in a fix because they knew little or nothing about Jazz, let alone teach it. Jazz education is in a bind because only a handful of people really know how to teach it and none except us have quantified it. It took too long (at least 3 years for a piano diploma holder to see any results) and involved too much tedious practice.

We are the first to quantify it and have students know the nuts and bolts of Jazz improvisation in an Easy-To-Understand manner. Once you know how to improvise, arrangement is a piece of cake. For example, right from the start, PBE1 already deals with block chords. Then, it's a matter of relating the chords to which scales to use. Then we build it up with the introduction of various types of scales and free improvisation, etc.

What Is Play By Ear Sdn Bhd ’s Direction?

• It is in the plans to be the bridging institution between conventional music education to higher music institutions offering degrees in music. The Play By Ear (TM) Method is to be the foremost music course system in this region. That the music industries will look towards us as a reservoir to provide calibered music talents (production and performance).

• The government will look to us as the foremost music training facility in the region and our views are the ones that will shape the Malaysian education in music.

What Are The Requirements of a Play By Ear Coach?

Play By Ear Coaches must be trained in our system and are certified on a year to year basis dues to its rapid development in teaching methods. He/she must also be performance based i.e. A real musician,...more a musician than academic. Then only is he/she qualified to advise one who wants to play for fun and enjoyment. Below is the image of the yearly certificate awarded to our coaches:

Important things to note are:

• The year the coach is certified to teach. Outdated certs means that the coach has only learnt the outdated techniques and may not be updated on the latest developments.

• The name of the coach.

• The courses he/she is certified to teach

• Authorized signature

• Serial Number of the certificate

If the coach does not have the cert displayed or is not current, he/she is not from Play By Ear and the company bears no responsiblities as to the results of his/her coaching.

Endorsements on Playing Music By Ear:

The BRITISH JOURNAL OF MUSIC EDUCATION, 1979 states that: “Playing by Ear has been undervalued. Yet it is through such playing that... the aims of music education can BEST be achieved, ... A research study has shown that ear-playing methods used with players actually improve their sight- playing.”... besides other advantages.

Dr Raymond Chasse, President of Summit University commented. “... I am very impressed with Mr Alex Leow’s 30 years research and development in the field of Playing Music By Ear.

As a musician myself, I attest that Mr Alex Leow's Play By Ear (TM) method is the best that I know as a complete program for the aspiring hobbyist to the professional to make them creative and adaptive. As a general consensus, Classical, Pop, Video and Cyber Music Classes produce students with limited capabilities. Mr Alex Leow has broken that barrier...."

We have also been listed in the Malaysian Book of Records where 65 of our students performed 5 songs on 2 pianos.

Is it Guaranteed?

We guarantee you will learn the formulas on how to Play By Ear (TM) as detailed in each level. If we (not the student) find that you cannot follow your course due to certain talent deficiencies, the money back guarantee (MBG) option will be offered to you by the 4th lesson. After the 4th lesson, the MBG no longer applies. The quality of music will depend on you applying the formulas learnt. Guarantee is void if you consistently slack in your practice & application. The quantum of refund is based on the full amount paid less credit card charges, talent evaluation test, studio rental and house call fees utilized, whichever applicable. All course materials provided will have to be returned.

In the event that the student fails the talent evaluation test but insists on taking the course anyway, the student will have to waive the guarantee.

Money Back Guarantee: Dennis Heng of Tmn Tun Dr lsmail, KL is one such person who cannot benefit from the Play By Ear (TM) Course System. As promised, because of talent deficiencies, we refunded the FULL AMOUNT (less 3rd party incidentals) to him upon the recommendation of the instructor.

How and where can I take this course?

A prerequisite to attending this course is the Talent Evaluation Test mentioned in preceding paragraphs. The purpose of the above is to ensure that you will benefit from this course. If you pass the evaluation test, you may enroll. Classes will then be conducted at a franchise outlet nearest to you. Otherwise, you can request house calls. Your Music Consultant, after the talent checkup, will recommend accordingly.

Locations:

1. Play By Ear HQ, Subang Jaya
2. Klang Valley: USJ Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Kepong
3. Online: Via Web Cam (Call for details. For links, scroll to bottom of page.)

When should I take it up?

Now: The younger, the better. Currently, we cater for ages 7 onwards. A "clean slate" is much easier to work with, so to speak. Dexterity can be a disadvantage as you get older even though your comprehension level may be good. You probably would not be able to achieve as much then as you can now.

Then again, Playing Music by Ear, being a great avenue for relieving stress, is itself a great motivating factor to acquire that ability early for a better quality life. Life becomes more meaningful when you can express your feelings and thoughts through music. It does wonders to your self-esteem when you hear your guests ask for encores after your performances.”

If it is within your means now, fulfilling your dream quickly will bring far more benefits than you could ever imagine. We recommend you do what Ong Mei Yen, William Saw, Douglas Wan, Augustine and Rachel Yong, Ashwin, Professor George Chadwick, and many other fledging Natural Musicians did: Block out the next 6 months and just do it!

Call 03-2055 3100 NOW; or simply fill in our enquiry form. Remember to leave your contact number and email address for us to service you efficiently. Let’s do it TODAY!