Want to test your ear, challenge your skills, and have some holiday fun? This solo challenge sharpens your listening skills and builds your seasonal repertoire.

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Playing by ear is about reacting to what you hear. This challenge builds quick-response skills you’ll use every time you sit at the piano.

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1. Pick a Random Holiday Song – Shuffle your playlist, no peeking.

2. Listen Once – Absorb melody and chords in one play-through.

3. Play from Memory – Melody first, then add chords.

4. Level Up – Add melody-on-top chord voicings for fullness.

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Start with familiar tunes.

Record your attempt and compare to the original.

Try less familiar songs as you improve.

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Do the “One Listen” game with a new song every day until Christmas.

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This challenge is just one way to make ear training a fun habit. My Piano by Ear course is full of creative exercises to make you a faster, more confident player.