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by Fun on May 27th, 2007

Fun

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Where did the saying "playing it by ear" originate? (Not the musical sense)

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Answers. 3 helpful answers below.

  • by singwell-is off researching a lot on June 4th, 2007

    singwell-is off researching a lot

    It is a musical phrase. Many music hall and home piano players had no music and little formal training. Instead, they were able to recreate music they heard by listening to it. Hence "playing it by ear" or doing something without guidelines.

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  • by borat11 on May 27th, 2007

    borat11

    the music sence

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  • by Anonymous on May 27th, 2007

    Anonymous

    I suspect it may have originated in theater.

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