Can I read music? Well, kind of. I can look at the "shaped notes" as Johnny Cash used to call them and figure out a few things such as the key, the actual notes, the values of said shaped notes, and if I have the time..... can actually play it on the piano if it's in the key of C, G, or maybe D. I often write out the first few notes of the melody to a new song I'm working on so I don't lose it. Just the note names is all I need to recall the melody.

I studied piano for 7 years as a kid and music theory on high school for 2 years plus playing in the school band and orchestra as a drummer. Yep, I was a drummer from 3rd grade up through 11th grade. All of that was based on the simple premise that reading was necessary. I hated reading the music, especially percussion. I always felt that it was too limiting. I wanted to jam and improvise.

One particular event comes to mind. My piano teacher gave me a new piece of sheet music and told me it was a very beautiful melody. She played it by reading it so I could hear it with instructions to learn it the following week. So I went home and started to work on it. Next week, at my lesson, she asked me to play it for her. I told her I really liked the melody and proceeded to play it. When I finished she clapped and said that was absolutely beautiful .....and well played..... now, would I play it again.... and this time.... play what was actually written on the sheet music. Busted!

I developed the ability to hear a song and know what was going on so that I could play practically anything without a lot of rehearsal time or the need for sheet music. When I played with the church orchestra, we played a lot in all those flat keys. I relied on the sheet music a good amount and the chord charts.

I don't look down on those who can read, nor those who can't. We're all musicians and have our unique ways to express ourselves with our music. To those who only sight read, I encourage you to learn how to play by ear as it can make you a better musician as it lets you get into the music and feel it. To those who can't read and don't know any theory, once again, take the time to learn at least the basics as it too will make you a better player because you will understand the deeper aspects to the music you play.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.