"I also went to art school and learned to play a piano there, but I play by ear"

In this quote, John Mayall reviews his creative journey and the interaction between official education and natural skill. Mayall, a popular British blues artist, succinctly conveys his experiences and insights into learning and creativity.

The opening phrase "I also went to art school" indicates a structured, academic background. Art schools are normally organizations where trainees get technical skills and theoretical understanding, allowing them to check out and develop their imagination throughout various mediums. This experience suggests that Mayall worths official education and acknowledges the merits of structured learning environments. By selecting to attend art school, Mayall most likely honed his creative abilities, explored different strategies, and widened his imaginative horizons.

When Mayall includes that he "found out to play a piano there", it indicates that art school supplied him with opportunities to engage with music too. Discovering to play an instrument in an academic setting typically involves understanding music theory, practicing scales, and carrying out structures, therefore grounding the student in the discipline of music.

However, the contrasting statement "however I play by ear" introduces a compelling dynamic. Playing by ear refers to the ability to recreate music just by listening, without depending on written scores or official direction. This indicates a more instinctive, natural, and personal approach to music-making. For Mayall, playing by ear may be a reflection of inherent talent and a deep connection with music that goes beyond structured learning.

The juxtaposition of formal education and intuitive practice in Mayall's quote highlights a broader style in the arts: the balance in between learned abilities and inherent abilities. It recommends that while formal education can lay the foundation for creative expression, real creativity frequently thrives when people trust their impulses and permit their natural talents to direct them. By embracing both disciplined study and user-friendly practice, Mayall highlights the diverse nature of artistic proficiency, celebrating the synergy between knowledge and instinct in creative ventures.