A question for the adoptees?

Question

This one is more out of general curiosity.

How many of you play or played musical instruments?

Did you play by ear?

I played piano when I was young, and I played by ear...never could read a note. I've heard somewhere that this is more common among adopted people; don't know why it would be, but I thought it would be interesting to post this little poll here had see what kind of results it gets.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I played the recorder by ear and the violin and piano using music.

Answer 2

yeah i play the drums i go with music like metallica. ill have it on a cd and play it loud and go with the music.

Answer 3

That is very interesting. Have you found a link with that information? I would be interested in researching that. Has this been published a peer review / journal?

Answer 4

I play the violin and sing- I can play by ear- however I read music as well- actually this is what I do for a living- and my birth mom was a pianist and singer. Interesting question

Answer 5

Yeah, I play the piano, have for 12 years. It gets me through the hard times and really helps me express my soul.

Answer 6

I'm adopted and learned everything by ear. Played the keyboard, learned the whole titanic theme song by ear.

Answer 7

I play piano and sing. I tried the flute but hated it, and my hands are too small for the guitar.

Answer 8

Lol..........looks like you might be onto something here Lillie!  I can play both piano and flute by ear and my daughter is showing a lot of talent with the piano.  Interestingly, neither my bio family or adoptive family have any history of musical talent.

Answer 9

Interesting.  I wish it were the case.  I would love to play an instrument but I have no talent.

Answer 10

Does a bong count?  Thanks the only instument I ever 'played'.

Answer 11

Another drummer here. (West African/Middle Eastern) By ear at first but then I took lessons as an adult.

Answer 12

Piano & flute - both by ear.

I've since had musical training - and can read music - but once I know the music - I play without it - from memory and ear.

Answer 13

I learnt to play  the piano from one foster home I was in. The foster mother would sit there and play for hours... after a while I sat down at the piano and was able to do it too.

She used to think it was amazing that I could listen to something and then just play it.. but no body ever cared enough to teach me lessons.

To this day though if I hear fur elise, I think of that foster home. She passed away while I was in their care, so I was transferred after that

Answer 14

Very interesting!!!  I took piano lessons as a young child, so I did learn to read music (classical), but I felt I was always better at playing what I could hear!  That is why I eventually quit playing over 12 years ago.  Since then, I have lost the ability to read music, but can definitely pick up anything by ear very quickly!

Answer 15

I can play the drums by ear.

Answer 16

I wish I could play piano or any instrument for that matter!  I took flute lessons when I was in elementary school but didn't take to it naturally or stick with it.

I can sing but I am not good at reading music!

Answer 17

I played piano and guitar and sang by ear.  I've been told I have "perfect pitch," whatever that is.  I had two years of piano lessons but I simply would not learn to play "right;" I can't read a time signature to this day, but I can play anything I've heard.

The funny part?  My a'dad was the same way.  Piano lessons were wasted on him because his teacher would play the piece and he would memorize it by ear--he never learned to read music, but he could play any instrument he picked up.    And his mother, who used to play piano in a silent movie house, did so by ear as well.

So I've no idea whether I'm a case of nature, nurture, or both.  Fascinating question though.  Have a star!

Answer 18

Im awsome on the keyboard

Answer 19

WHAT THE?    So like how is being adopted supposed to make you a good mucisian?  maybe like the trauma sets off musical notes in your head.  I play drums and guitar becasue my parents bought them for me.

Answer 20

no, but i never really had access to anything but the stupid band at school. i played coronet, horribly i might add. but music was very importent to me. i had a radio playing all the time.

when i found my bfather i realized he is a musician. his whole family can pretty much pick up anything and just play. i have a feeling if i had that opportunity i would have been able to do that too.

Answer 21

Yes, piano and clarinet.  I play by ear, but learned to read music as well.  My nfather and nuncle and both guitarists.

Answer 22

I play the piano, but took lessons. I can't play by ear. My brother (also adopted) plays the guitar by ear.

Answer 23

Our piano player at our church plays by ear and what joy and wonderful music she can play.   She has Anthony Burgess down pat.

Answer 24

I have no idea what that has to do with being adopted.

Answer 25

Yes I play the piano!  I was "discovered" by my aunt who said I MUST take piano lessons!  Hehe because of that I do read music, I actually can't play by ear very well but I'm an excellent sight reader if I do say so myself =p