Play by ear

Play by ear is one way to play the flute if you don't read music. Why not learn how to read music?

Playing the flute by ear is a skill all to itself. It's really isn't a matter of flute technique, but know about music, the style you're playing in, and the music theory behind it.

But many people stick with playing by ear because of a fear of learn how to read music.

Some people think reading music is akin to brain surgery and reserved for overly-educated elitists.

How untrue!

Reading music is quite easy.

We flutists just have to learn the treble clef staff. The lines and spaces hold one note, and the notes move in alphabetical order from A to G.

The bottom line of the staff is an E, the next space is an F, and so on.

What happens when we get to the top of the staff and we need more notes?

How to read musicThat's where ledger lines come in. They're narrow extensions of the staff, just wide enough for that particular note.

Ledger lines can be used at the bottom of the staff, but flutists don't play notes that low.

Sure, play by ear if it makes you happy!

But don't fear learning how to read music.

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