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Feb 27, 2024 · While ‘play it by ear’ is the correct phrase, ‘play it by year’ is a common mistake. However, this phrase doesn’t have a specific meaning like ‘play it by ear’ does. That being said, it’s still possible to apply the idea of ‘playing it by year’ to certain situations in life. For example, if you’re planning a long-term ...
The only semi-obvious meaning of ‘play it by year’ I can think of would be if someone had, say, a Motown compilation with many, many songs in it. You could conceivably say, “That’s far too many songs for one listen—chop it up into bits instead, and play it by year”. Even then, though, I would probably say, “Play the songs by year”.
- The Origins of “Play It by Ear”
- Can We Make Something Out of “Play It by Year?”
- So, Is It Play It by Year Or ear?
There are all sorts of occasions in the lives of both musicians and non-musicians that cannot be planned for. The Prussian Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke wrote in 1871 that “Kein Operationsplan reicht mit einiger Sicherheit über das erste Zusammentreffen mit der feindlichen Hauptmacht hinaus.” If you are not fluent in German, this translates to “...
As musicians, we know there is more to improvising than making things up as you go. Every musical form has its own syntactical structures that determine what is “good” improvising in a particular setting, and what is “less good.” The best musicians can arrive at their intended meaning when playing music only after years of formal or informal ear tr...
The phrase is definitely “play it by ear.” “Play it by year” is just a misunderstanding, but I think there is something to be said for seeing the best music as a product of time – great music generally can’t be played without years of experience. I doubt this understanding will catch on, and I actually hope it doesn’t, lest things get even more con...
PLAY IT BY EAR definition: 1. to decide how to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than acting according to plans…. Learn more.
Nov 9, 2022 · This can be especially confusing if you’re not familiar with the English language and its use of idioms. The short answer is that it’s ‘play by ear.’. It is never correct to say ‘play by year’ because it doesn’t have an alternate meaning, like most idioms in the English language. Table of Contents.
Jun 1, 2023 · It's time to set the record straight. "Play it by ear" means to improvise or react to a situation without any concrete plans. The confusion arises when people mishear it as "play it by year," which doesn't carry the same meaning. In fact, "play it by year" means nothing at all. The expression "play it by ear" has its roots in the world of music ...
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Mar 26, 2024 · The correct phrase is “play it by ear ,” not “play it by year.”. “Play it by ear” means managing a situation as it occurs without prior planning. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses. Alternatives to “play it by ear” include “wing it” and “make it up as you go along.”. Playing music by ear requires ...
