Sharing the music of 'playing by ear' with some favourite renditions

Norfolk Island's Music Heritage: The Art of Playing by Ear - This week we are going to uncover a musical snapshot  focusing on the custom of 'playing by ear,' a tradition deeply ingrained in our island's music heritage. Many Norfolk Islanders developed the ability to pick up and play traditional songs and melodies without the need for sheet music or formal training. This skill was passed down through generations, with younger islanders learning from their elders and honing their ability to hear and reproduce the intricate rhythms and harmonies that define Norfolk Island's music heritage. Unlike formal musical training, playing by ear relies on innate musicality, memory, and communal learning. Norfolk Island's music boasts a captivating blend of genres, reflecting a rich and complex history. The singing of hymns to the echoes poignant war-era songs, to country music styles with catchy melodies, to family sing-a-longs and refrains of choral singing, to polynesian rhythms and in more recent years, songs composed in our Norf’k language … These genres all highlight an eclectic mix through the ages.Sing-alongs are a cornerstone of the island's social life, bringing people together in shared moments of joy and camaraderie. The power of vocal harmonies, often complex and deeply emotive, adds another layer of richness to these family gatherings. These vocal traditions are not merely musical expressions but are integral to the island's communal identity, fostering a sense of belonging and shared cultural heritage. Playing by ear relies on a highly developed auditory memory. In the earlier eras on the island, cultivating this skill from a young age by being sonically immersed in the beautiful harmonies of elders voices and they way they played the piano or the guitar, and this would train ‘young ears’ to not just recognize but also retain the nuances of complex musical patterns, including subtle melodic variations and rhythmic intricacies.This capacity for detailed auditory recall is a cornerstone of our musical traditions.It is my aim with this podcast series to share my sound collection as one branch of digital archives which showcases our Norfolk Island's music heritage. It is my hope that  by making these available via this online platform, will ensure a wider dissemination and accessibility for both present and future generations as well as visitors to our island to share research and a deeper understanding about our sound heritage, our performers, songs, and historical background to provide richer context. In this way I feel I can contribute to the preservation of our Norfolk Island traditions.Thanks so much for joining me this week!Sponsored by Baunti Tours www.bauntitours.com > When booking with Baunti Tours, mention 'Podcast' to receive a 10% discount on tours. email: [email protected] phone: (International +6723) 23693To call from Australia: (02) 91368062