Ear Training - Learn Pop And Rock By Ear

Contrary to what most people think, you can learn to play by ear — and it’s one of the most valuable skills any musician can develop.

Playing by ear isn’t about memorizing endless drills or guessing notes. It’s about understanding how chords, melodies, and patterns fit together so you can sit down and figure out songs naturally. Whether it’s a classic rock anthem, a pop ballad, or something you just heard on the radio, you’ll learn to play it with confidence and creativity.

Understanding ear training

What is Ear Training - Learn Pop And Rock By Ear

Develop the skill every great musician relies on — playing by ear. In these lessons, you’ll learn to recognize chords, intervals, and progressions in real songs so you can sit down and play without needing sheet music. Through guided listening, repetition, and hands-on exercises, you’ll train your ear to identify patterns and play with confidence in any key. You’ll also learn how to pick out melodies, harmony parts, and rhythm feels common in pop, rock, and blues styles.

WHY ear training MATTERS

Benefits of Ear Training - Learn Pop And Rock By Ear

Learning to play by ear gives you real musical freedom — it’s what separates players who can read notes from players who can make music.

You’ll start hearing songs differently. Chords, melodies, and rhythms will begin to make sense — and you’ll be able to figure them out on your own.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

Stronger musical memory: You’ll recognize progressions and hooks faster, so songs stick naturally.
Better pitch awareness: You’ll learn to hear intervals, melodies, and chord changes the same way pros do.
More creativity: Ear training helps you improvise, arrange, and come up with your own parts on the spot.
Confidence to play anywhere: Whether it’s a jam session, a sing-along, or your own gig, you’ll be ready to jump in and sound great.
Deeper understanding of music: You’ll connect theory and sound in a way that makes everything “click.”

This skill opens the door to everything else — jamming, writing, performing, and enjoying music on a whole new level.

TESTIMONIALS

What Students Are Saying

Tom Hundt

"I enjoyed studying with Marc. What I liked about him as a teacher was that because he is a live performer, he can actually demonstrate different styles for you. He is professional, knowledgeable in both theory and practice."

Julie Paul

"I thought you did an excellent job of teaching. I am 100% confident that I can do this! So thanks. You are blessing a lot of people by what you do."

Caryn Hull

"You are witty and entertaining and very skilled at teaching to a variety of levels and interests. You possess many gifts and talents, and I am grateful for stumbling upon you. Your ability to connect with students on a personal level by incorporating their stories into your teaching is a truly unique gift which elevates your style from average to excellent!"

Elnora Sipp

"Marc taught the important info and helped to connect it for use. It has helped me better understand music..."

Bill Patteuw

"Marc is so great at explaining..."

Tina Meltzer-O'Donnell

"Marc is wonderful! Extremely clear, yet personable and funny. One thing I really liked was the clarity of the method; the connections Marc draws to things we already know in popular culture and the building clearly from simple to more complex. Fantastic instructor, very inspiring and motivating."

Simple Steps. Real Results.

How It Works?

🥇 Step 1 — Book Your Free Lesson

Select a time that works for you to schedule your free pop/rock piano lesson with Marc from Learn Pop Piano. Just click one of the black buttons on the website to open the calendar and reserve your spot.

🥈 Step 2 — Join Your Live Lesson

After you’ve scheduled your free lesson, you’ll receive some introductory tips to help you get the most from your first session — plus the Zoom link for our meeting.

How our Pop/Rock Piano Lessons for Adults Online Work?

At Learn Pop Piano with Marc Dorian, lessons are designed for adults who want to play real music — not just read it. Each session is fun, interactive, and personalized to your goals, whether you’re returning to the piano or starting fresh into the pop/rock realm.
You’ll learn how to use chords, rhythm, and creative techniques to play your favorite pop and rock songs with confidence and feel. We'll focus on practical skills that help you sound great. With every lesson, you’ll gain more freedom at the keyboard — and before long, you’ll be playing with the kind of style and confidence you’ve always wanted.

our service areas

Learn Pop Piano with Marc Dorian

Service Areas

Detroit

Toronto

London

FAQs

Things To Know About Ear Training - Learn Pop And Rock By Ear

Do I need to have perfect pitch?

Nope — not even close. Most great musicians don’t have perfect pitch. What you’ll develop instead is relative pitch — the ability to recognize chords, intervals, and melodies by sound and context. It’s a learned skill, not a gift you’re born with.

Will this help me learn songs faster?

Absolutely. Once your ear starts recognizing common chord progressions and patterns, you’ll find yourself learning songs in a fraction of the time. You’ll be able to figure out tunes by listening — without waiting for sheet music or tutorials.

How does this apply to pop/rock and contemporary piano?

Playing by ear is at the heart of pop and rock music. It’s what allows players to jam, improvise, and make songs their own. You’ll build the same skills pros use on stage and in the studio — the ones that turn playing notes into making music.

Can beginners learn to play by ear?

Yes! These sessions are designed for all levels. Beginners often make fast progress because they’re not locked into old habits or notation-only thinking. You’ll learn simple, practical ways to connect what you hear with what you play.

[email protected]

(888) 794-5992