Music: Play-by-Ear (Study Guide)

Play by ear has a different learning goal to generic music education. The focus is on 'here and now' music rather than 'excellence' i.e however accomplished you are. What music can we make now in this room, on the spot, unrehearsed, with what is at hand? (Dr Tom Benjamin)

This free study guide provides an introduction to the Play-by-ear method for music-making. Beginning with simplified chords and patterns common to most popular music, this method empowers any educator or learner to instantly participate in music projects without previous musical training or experience. The only requirement is that learners should be familiar with popular music.

Suitable for both classroom and/or online learning. This study guide teaches the 'secret to play-by-ear'.

Play by ear skills are not widespread in the community. Therefore, is suitable for a wide range of participants – from total beginners through to accomplished musicians. The approach is a product of original research so will be new to students and teachers alike.

The lessons covered in this resource are ideal for:

• Relief and non-music teachers
• Music teachers or therapists dealing with short sessions and challenging groups
• Rural and regional schools
• Community groups

Relevant areas within the Australian Curriculum:

• Music
• Media
• Arts

This resource also addresses General Capabilities within the Australian Curriculum:

• Literacy
• Personal and Social Capability
• Ethical Understanding
• Multicultural and indigenous music applications

The full downloadable resource pack is available here and consists of eleven instructional PDFs that include worksheets with chord diagrams and skill-building activities. Lessons are mapped to SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) and the entire ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) K-12+ music curriculum.

Please note: References to music available on the Internet are subject to copyright considerations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Play-by-ear method is a simplified music learning approach developed by researcher Dr Tom Benjamin, based on experience in the Health and Education sectors. He has worked as a psychologist and researcher in physical and mental rehabilitation settings, where he became impressed by the potential for music therapy and digital applications. He applied many of their principles to educational methods such as biofeedback and gamification.

The Play-by-ear approach to music-making was awarded an Australian Innovation Patent based on its novel use of one finger chords. This method empowers and engages novices to instantly participate in music projects without fear of hitting a wrong note.