This phrase highlights an individual's skill and natural talent for recognizing and reproducing melodies, harmonies, and rhythms by listening to them. It showcases a heightened sense of musical perception, as the musician is able to discern and replicate musical elements without the aid of sheet music or specific instructions.
Playing music by ear is often associated with improvisation and spontaneity, allowing the musician to add their own interpretations and variations to the original piece. It emphasizes the musician's ability to engage in a kind of musical conversation with the instrument, expressing their creativity and personal style.
This idiom is commonly used in the context of musical performances, jam sessions, and improvisational settings. It can also be used more broadly to describe someone who has a strong natural aptitude for music and can easily perform or compose without extensive formal training.