Piano by Ear
Hear it.
Play it.
Find the key of any song, learn the chords underneath it, and play it your way. No sheet music. No years of scales before the fun starts.
Teens and adults · Total beginners to church and band players · In person or online
Sound familiar?
You don't need more theory. You need to hear it.
Maybe you took lessons as a kid and can still only play from the page. Maybe you watch players at church or online make it look effortless and wonder what they know that you don't. They aren't reading. They are hearing patterns: the same handful of chords and progressions, moved around in every key. That's a skill, and it can be taught.
The number system
Think in 1, 4, 5 and 6 instead of letter names, so a song you learn in one key works in all twelve.
Find the key, fast
A simple routine to land on the key of any song in under a minute, from your phone, the radio or a worship set.
Progressions you'll hear everywhere
1-4-5, 1-5-6-4, 2-5-1 and the rest. Learn them as sounds and you'll start hearing them in every song.
Pick out melodies
Train your ear to find a tune note by note, then put the right chord underneath it.
Voicings that sound pro
Sevenths, ninths, passing chords and the gospel and R&B colours that make simple songs sound rich.
Play with other people
Rhythm, grooves and following a band or worship leader, so you're ready the day someone says "you're on keys".
The learning path
Four levels. One song at a time.
Every level is built around real songs you choose with your teacher. You move up when you can play it, not when the calendar says so.
Find Your Way Around
The keyboard, the major scale and the number system. By the end you're playing your first full song with both hands.
Chord Builder
Major, minor and inversions, and the common progressions behind most pop, worship and R&B songs.
Play What You Hear
Find the key of any recording, pick out the melody and work out the chords on your own.
Make It Sound Pro
Extended chords, passing chords, grooves and runs. Play with a band, lead a song, or arrange your own.
Between lessons
Practise at home with the Online Hub.
Every piano student gets the Online Hub: short video lessons for each level, slowed-down play-alongs, and a weekly practice plan that fits in fifteen minutes a day.
- Piano by Ear Live every Tuesday. Bring a song, we work it out together
- Upload a video and get feedback from your teacher
- Lessons on your phone, tablet or laptop
Who it's for
Never too early. Never too late.
Teens
Play the songs from your playlist, then build your own. Pairs perfectly with Production.
Adults starting again
You always meant to. A patient teacher and a plan that fits around work and family.
Church musicians
Play worship songs by ear, follow the leader and transpose on the spot.
Singers and songwriters
Accompany yourself and get the chords for your own songs under your fingers.
Questions
Piano FAQ
Do I need to read music?
No. We teach by ear and by pattern. If you already read, great: you'll learn to step away from the page. If you don't, you never have to start.
What kind of keyboard do I need at home?
Any keyboard with at least 61 keys to start. A digital piano with 88 weighted keys is ideal if you're buying. Ask us before you buy and we'll point you to good options at every budget.
Is this only for gospel or worship music?
Not at all. The same skills work for pop, R&B, rock, jazz standards and film themes. Church musicians love it because worship sets are played by ear, but you bring the songs.
How fast will I be able to play a song?
Most beginners play a simple song with both hands within their first few weeks. Playing anything by ear takes longer, but you'll hear yourself getting better every month.
Bring a song. Leave playing it.
Your first lesson is free. Tell us one song you love and we'll start there.
Book my free lesson