SharonC has brought up great things recently about learning by ear & solfege in her Blog (My Forum Blog - SharonC) got me thinking... 

Instead of so much emphasis on intonation (which IS important), what about more emphasis on learning the contour of music?  The contour of a melody is so important it shouldn't matter what key it's in (except if you sing, or play an instrument with a narrow range).  IF the contour is followed, a melody could start on any pitch & instantly recognizable!  

Was just thinking about learning tunes as a kid, children's songs - especially Christmas Carols.  We never knew anything about what 'key' a tune was supposed to be in - guess that would be considered learning 'movable-do' solfege! 🤣  

I think understanding/feeling the shape of a tune can help with anticipating notes, maybe help with learning by ear.  Once comfortable learning by ear, it's more fun memorizing tunes. 

Those memorized tunes that are collected can become a new adventure in a different tuning. 

I bring up alternative tunings/cross-tuning, because I think folks who learn by ear have an easier time of using them.  Folks starting out might freak, but you can easily get used to playing a tune in a different tuning - once you go thru it a couple times (talking fiddle tunes here). 

Alternative tunings always serve a purpose.  They can help with how the fingers move, notes might ring more, they might change the mood, or give better options for doublestops & droning.  

Some tunes just keep the same fingering.

I like that cajun tunes are often tuned down - a little more soothing to the ear.  Even the half-step down that Baroque is played makes me love the sound more.

Nice to know there's tuning videos & of course apps work great, too... just might be some in here you wouldn't normally think about for the fiddle.    

Cross Tuning on the Fiddle Thread

I'm itching to do more, but still can't trust I won't have problems with the pegs on my 6-string violin... and hard to give my Maezarine up for even a short time! 😔