taught by ear

"Playing by ear" is a term describing the ability of a musician to reproduce a piece of music one heard, without having observed another musician play it or having seen written music. It is the common way to learn to play a musical instrument in cultures that do not use musical notation. Playing by ear is also common practice among those who use notation extensively. Musicians in cultures that use notation learn to play by ear and ear training. This often occurs using a musicianship course at a music conservatory or college, and alternatively by the use of Solfège.