Meaning: This quote by John Mayall, a renowned English blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, provides insight into his musical background and education. In the quote, Mayall mentions attending art school and learning to play the piano there, while also noting that he plays by ear. This brief statement offers a glimpse into his unconventional approach to music education and his reliance on natural talent and intuition rather than formal training.

John Mayall's experience at art school likely influenced his artistic sensibilities and musical development. Art schools often provide a creative and nurturing environment that encourages experimentation and individual expression. This environment may have contributed to Mayall's unconventional approach to learning the piano and his emphasis on playing by ear. Rather than adhering strictly to traditional music theory and notation, playing by ear allows for a more intuitive and spontaneous connection to music.

The fact that Mayall learned to play the piano at art school suggests that he was exposed to a diverse range of artistic disciplines, which could have enriched his musical sensibilities. The interdisciplinary nature of art schools often fosters a holistic approach to creativity, encouraging students to draw inspiration from various sources and disciplines. This exposure to different forms of art may have influenced Mayall's musical style and contributed to his distinctive approach to playing the piano.

Furthermore, Mayall's statement highlights the value of playing by ear in the context of musical education. While formal training and technical proficiency are important in music, playing by ear allows musicians to develop a deep understanding of melody, harmony, and rhythm through direct engagement with the music. It encourages a more intuitive and personal connection to one's instrument and repertoire, fostering musical creativity and improvisation.

In the context of blues music, playing by ear is a particularly relevant and valuable skill. Blues music is deeply rooted in improvisation and emotional expression, and playing by ear allows musicians to tap into the raw, soulful essence of the genre. By eschewing formal training in favor of a more instinctive and intuitive approach to playing the piano, Mayall embodies the spirit of blues music and its emphasis on authentic, heartfelt performance.

Overall, John Mayall's quote sheds light on his unique musical journey and the formative influences that shaped his artistic approach. His experience at art school, coupled with his emphasis on playing by ear, speaks to the importance of creativity, intuition, and individual expression in musical education. By embracing a non-traditional path to learning the piano, Mayall exemplifies the spirit of artistic exploration and innovation, demonstrating that true musical mastery can transcend formal training and technical proficiency.