Sight reading or playing by ear?

Question

Okay, I just restarted playing the piano/keyboard and this time, I want to mainly play Pop/Rock. I'm almost always restricted to reading sheet music because I played Classical when I was little. I was just wondering what would be the best route for me since I'm going to focus on Pop/Rock now, sight reading or play by ear? Also, any other tips for playing Pop/Rock on the piano/keyboard would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

Playing by ear as early as you can is definitely the best way to learn. The sooner you abandon sight reading the better. You don't wanna be at a point sometime where you can't find sheets of a song you wanna learn but can't cuz your not used to ear training.

Trust me, by ear is the way to go!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tyTVXe8xEM

What you think?

Source(s): My own experiences.

Answer 2

I used to play piano. I played it by ear and was real good.

Answer 3

i think playing by ear would sound better if u got the right notes but reading is good too and its less work

Answer 4

If you are just restarting, i would suggest to sight read at first.