4. OUTCOMES. Exercises box: "The path from ear to hand"
As a practical outcome, a series of foundational exercises are proposed in this work to train playing by ear in piano lessons. These are guided by a sound-first approach, prioritizing attentive listening, internalizing melodies and rhythms (to build an aural database), and connecting auditory perception with vocal and instrumental performance. These exercises draw inspiration from observations of Kodály method lessons, mixed-methodology classes, jazz aproaches, and interviews with experts and self-taught musicians. Carefully selected for their simplicity and effectiveness, these exercises align with Paul Harris’s concept of simultaneous learning, seamlessly integrating with the repertoire being studied. What is more, teachers using these materials are encouraged to explore their creativity by adapting and varying the suggested activities. These ideas are intended merely as a source of inspiration and a starting point.
