Hear and Play Music Learning Center

Hear and Play Music Learning Center: piano by ear and online music training

Hear and Play Music Learning Center is a music education company founded in August 2000 by Jermaine Griggs, which began with an initial investment of 70 dollars. Its main focus is teaching piano by ear, that is, learning to play without relying on sheet music or years of traditional lessons. Over time, the company expanded its offerings to other instruments and genres, and currently serves pianists, organists, guitarists, drummers, vocalists, and wind instrument players.

The company states that it helps more than two million aspiring musicians each year through free online lessons, newsletters, videos, and training programs. It also notes that more than 400,000 students receive its periodic newsletters.

Resources and software for learning by ear

Hear and Play markets several software tools aimed at practical learning. These include Song Tutor, for learning favorite songs; Ear Tutor, for ear training; and Instant Transposer, for playing in all twelve keys. These programs are presented as resources that facilitate independent learning and practice in various contexts.

Courses and training centers

The training offering includes on-demand video and audio courses taught by renowned musicians, allowing students to study at their own pace from home. Notable is the Gospel Music Training Center, described as the largest training center for gospel musicians, with access to hundreds of videos and new weekly lessons. Downloadable products such as Gospel Essentials, Music Theory, and Jazz Training Center are also offered.

Instructors and specialties

The teaching team is led by Jonathan Powell, director of the Gospel Music Training Center, who joined the company in 2005 and is responsible for programs such as GospelKeys Master Class, GospelKeys Ministry Musician, GospelKeys Organ, and the Musician Breakthrough collection. Jermaine Griggs, founder, also serves as an instructor. The roster of teachers includes specialists in gospel, jazz, classical, Latin/salsa, bass, drums, organ, and vocals, among others. The names appearing on the site are Chuku Onyemachi (musicologist and blog writer), James Wrubel (jazz), Jason White (gospel), Lara Marinjin (classical), Michael Bereal (gospel), Bryan White (bassist), Christa Smith (gospel), David Jackson (gospel), Delvyn Brumfield (gospel), Isha Love (gospel), Jason Freeman (gospel), Javad Day (gospel), Jeff Goodkind (Latin/salsa), Jeremy Jeffers (gospel), Julio Martinez (gospel/CCM), KC Knight (gospel), Kenneth "BAM" Alexander (drums), Kevin Nickelson (gospel organ), Leonard Jarman (gospel/CCM), Marcus Hodge (gospel), Matt Faulker (gospel), Nina Lockhart (vocals), and Stanton Lewis (gospel).

Free lessons and blog

The company offers a free series of four video piano lessons in exchange for the interested person's name and email address. These lessons, approximately two hours long, cover everything from identifying the key of a song to mastering different types of chords and progressions. In addition, the Hear and Play blog publishes articles and resources on piano lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players, in both gospel and other genres, as well as music theory and song learning.

History and recognition

The site claims to have been named "Most Popular Music By Ear Site" for seven consecutive years. The company operates from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and its founder, Jermaine Griggs, is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, and resides in Orange County. Griggs has been invited to the White House on several occasions, received the "Man of Character" award from the Boy Scouts, and serves on boards such as Operation Jumpstart of Long Beach and the UCI Alumni Association.

Location and contact

Phone: 1-877-856-4187