playing by ear

[zbd1960]

[quote name='GarethFlatlands' timestamp='1477240385' post='3160788']
Well the trombone is pitched to Bb so you're playing a Bb when the sheet music tells you it's a C. I never got why brass instruments did that, used to drive me nuts when I played trumpet.
[/quote]In brass bands yes, but not in orchestras...

[Guest gazzatriumph]

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1477315051' post='3161319']
Obviously everyone has a different interpretation of playing by ear. Without wishing to split hairs...I learned by playing along to LP's and later CD's. This not only taught me what notes to play, but also how the bass "fits into" a song, and the general feeling of groove and syncopation. So, I consider myself to have learned to play the song by listening to it...i.e. by ear.

I'm inclined to agree with MisterT in that going up on stage without any prior knowledge of what is to be played...would be .."playing on the fly". Also, as with MisterT, I admire people who can do both.
[/quote]

Agree