Originally Posted by
Bill McCall
I think the sooner in someone's playing career they learn to read notation the earlier they will be able to avail themselves of the vast library of music of all genres. Everyone (I think) learns to sing by ear, but transitioning that pitch recognition to their instrument is often a challenge for folks, let alone the challenge of hearing a complex tune from a less than perfect recording and transcribing it to play. I recall the hours I spent in the 60s-70s learning by lifting the phonograph needle and repeating passages until I figured out a tune. When I found a book like Cole's 1000 Fiddle Tunes, I can't tell you how much time I saved.
Not all jams are bluegrass and/or country, which are mostly fairly simplistic harmonically. I see both the symphony and jazz ensembles playing from charts, and I don't believe they are trying to give them up..
Its good to be able to play by ear, but its faster to learn a specific or new tune by reading, if you can read. Saves all that time finding a recording and listening.
mileage varies...............