Playing by Ear: Bringing Your Wedding Music to Life
People often ask me: “Do you read music or play by ear?” . The truth is, I do both—but playing by ear has always been at the heart of how I make music. It’s something I’ve done since I was about four years old, and it’s a skill I’ve always cherished.
What Does Playing by Ear Actually Mean?
Put simply, playing by ear means that I can play a song by listening to it and without needing to read any sheet music. It’s not always quite as simple as that as some songs are harder to memorise than others, or can be too complex to simply listen then play. However, generally, if I know a song well enough to sing along, chances are I can play it. I’ll pick out the melody with my right hand, add rhythm and chords with my left, and then layer in dynamics until the piece feels complete. Sometimes, even if I’ve never played a song before, I can reproduce it almost note-perfect if it’s tucked away in my long-term memory. Other times, I’ll glance at basic sheet music or guitar chords just to confirm the structure—but often, that’s all I need. There are of course occasions when I’ll need to read the sheet music – particularly when I’m learning a new or complex song for the first time.
This ability doesn’t just help at weddings—it means I can sit down at a piano anywhere and start playing without preparation. Recently, I played a public piano at Boston Logan Airport while travelling, and it reminded me how much I love the freedom playing by ear gives me.
Why This Matters for Your Wedding
Playing by ear gives me incredible flexibility. It means I can learn new songs quickly, adapt to the mood of the day, and keep the music flowing without being tied to a stack of sheet music. If you have a special song in mind—even something unusual—I can usually bring it to life for your ceremony or first dance. And during drinks receptions or wedding breakfasts, I often play for hours without a single sheet on the stand, letting the music move naturally with the atmosphere. I have an online repertoire but it can’t possibly contain everything I can play – so I do encourage couples to use it as a guide rather than as an exhaustive list!
Pop vs Classical
Pop songs are perfect for playing by ear. They’re flexible, often never written down formally, and open to interpretation. Classical music is different—it demands precision. For pieces by composers like Einaudi, Yiruma, or even Hans Zimmer, I’ll use sheet music to make sure every note is accurate, but my ear still helps me learn faster and play with expression.
Why I Love This Approach
For me, playing by ear isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of connecting with music and with people. It allows me to create a soundtrack that feels personal and spontaneous, shaped by the atmosphere of your day. Every wedding is unique, and this approach helps me make the music just as unique.
If you’d love a pianist who can bring your favourite songs to life and create a beautiful, flowing soundtrack for your wedding, I’d love to chat!