The musicianship components- both sight reading and ear training are very important for the overall development of a music student. Playing by ear can be very rewarding for students who like to play their favorite tunes.
Ear training should be included in the lessons from the very beginning. Few exercises that students can start with are, to be able to identify the direction of notes (going up or down), clapback of short melodies that are played by the teacher, recognise low, middle and high pitch notes aurally and so on.
Once these basics are thorough, theoretical concepts of intervals, chords which building blocks of melodies should be learnt. Interval/chord identification aurally, can then be practiced. Fewer intervals should be introduced at first. Associate the sound of each chord with the mood. For e.g., for major chords, think of them as happy, or bright sounding chords and minor chords as sad, dark, and tense.
Playing short melodies in known keys, can also help in understanding the melodic structure of tunes. Pick your favorite tune and try to play just the melody on the piano. Then, consider adding some bass notes or chords for a fuller sound to the song.
The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) has an online tool that allows the students to practice ear tests at all levels. This tool has numerous exercises that prepare students for exams and optimize their progress.
In conclusion, cultivating strong aural skills is paramount for any aspiring pianist. The ability to truly hear and understand music unlocks a deeper level of musicianship, enhancing everything from sight-reading and memorization to improvisation and overall musical expression. By consistent practice of aural tests, a student can become more confident and expressive in his playing
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