Play by Ear
My sister received most of our family’s piano ability. She plays by reading music, plus she can play by ear. If she hears a song, she eventually figures out how to play it.
To play music by ear means to play without looking at printed music.
I have a hard time playing with or without the written score.
Play by ear also means to act without specific plans or rules.
We decide what to do as we go. Rather than worry about details, we
- Remain flexible.
- Adapt to the circumstances.
- Take one step at a time.
- Deal with events as they arise.
We fly by the seat of our pants.
Some of us do well playing by ear. Others desire more organization.
We want to know:
- What are we to do?
- When are we to do it?
- How do we do it?
- Who will help us?
- What happens every step of the way?
Whether we prefer to plan or not, we can make beautiful music with our lives.
Every day offers opportunities to:
- Do our best.
- Encourage one another.
- Worship God.
“I will sing and make music to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6 NIV).
Thanks to Cindy Shoemaker for the suggestion and to Gail Gosser for the photo.
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10 thoughts on “Play by Ear”
I have had to adapt, improvise, and overcome by making snap decisions in dynamic situations in the past, but I don’t like it one bit. LOL I have a rare form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) known as CDO. It’s like OCD, but it’s alphabetical the way it’s supposed to be. 🙂 It’s been said that I schedule making schedules and make plans to make plans. Some of us don’t like surprises. Always enjoy your posts ma’am.
I hear you, J.D. I prefer plans to surprises. I had not heard of CDO, but it makes good sense to me. 😂 Thanks so much for your always -interesting comments.
My dad could play by ear. I can’t play by anything. I’m one who wants to know what’s going to happen and have it all planned out. After all, God is the best organizer.
My dad could also play by ear. I play by notes but only when no one else can hear! I’m with you on plans and God’s organization.
I remember when, in practicing the guitar, I learned to do so by ear. It really is a gift to be able to do so, and I’ve never taken it for granted. However, when it comes to every day circumstances, I’d much rather have a plan.
Blessings, Diana!
I’m impressed, Martha. What a special gift. I’m also a planner. I hope you have a wonderful, well-organized week.
When I reflect, I think I’m a combination. In some situations I’m well-organized and stick to a plan. But at other times, I’m flying by the seat of my pants. It will require more analysis to see which tasks I put in the “plan and organize” category and which ones I go with the flow (or against the flow as the case may be.) Thanks for the challenge of pondering on this, Diana.
Many of us probably fit that description, Katherine. Although I see myself as a planner/organizer, I do occasionally go with the flow. As a caregiver, I sometimes have no choice. Blessings on all your endeavors, planned and unplannned.
My mom could play so well by ear she sounded like an accomplished pianist. While I can go with the flow, it is now how I am most comfortable. I much prefer a plan, a schedule, to know what is coming. I so enjoy your posts and look at various idioms!
Joanne, your mom and my sister sound a lot alike while you and I share common characteristics. Thank you for your kind words.