Needs ears to write music (9)

I believe the answer is:

serenades

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'needs ears to write music' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'needs ears to write music' is the wordplay.
'needs ears' anagrams to 'SERENADES'.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for serenades that I've seen before include "airs" , "Pieces of music" , "Woos with music" , "Love songs under fair lady's window" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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