Posted by ESC on January 22, 2007
In Reply to: Re: Playing it by ear posted by ESC on January 22, 2007
: : playing it by ear refers to conversation by way of melody, not playing by memory, don't you agree?
: play by ear -- to deal with something without previous planning or instructions. (Merriam-Webster)
: Regarding music, if someone "plays by ear" he or she can't "read music" or hasn't received formal instruction. At least, that's how we used the phrase in West Virginia.
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/284550.html