How to Play by Ear

I have just read a very interesting book entitled, How to Play by Ear by M. Emett Wilson. It is directed toward teaching the novice to enjoy and gain facility in playing the piano, although the principles could well be applied to the playing of any instrument. Mr. Wilson does this by discarding as unessential most of the technical impedimenta that usually confront the aspiring student who wishes to play the piano for relaxation, recreation, and a little individual expression.
In an ingenious manner the author avoids the use of any printed music or chart of the piano keyboard. He does this, for the most part, by referring primarily to songs where the melody, at least, is familiar. However, Mr. Wilson is not satisfied with giving only procedures whereby someone will be able to "pick out" melodies with one finger. He gradually leads students into the open sesame of using basic harmonies. Finally, his "Gradus ad Parnassus" by ear directs the dili­gent student to the musical Olympus of playing a Bach invention.