Yes there are many skills to have in music. Reading is one, theory is one, big ears are very important, improvisation is another skill, and the list goes on and on. Every skill we acquire as a musician enhances what we can do to reach a listener emotionally. And for me, that's what it's all about.
Insights and incites by Notes
Yep....
Personally...
I was a music major back in the mid 70's.
I took some classical guitar classes and an arrangement class.
That's where I learned to actually
read music.
Was I a great sight reader?....NO, not by any stretch.
Although, I could
read and figure out how to play something.
Being as how I had been a long time song writer by then and was in a working rock band I gravitated much more to
theory and arrangement than being a proficient sight reader.
If I desire to improve my music skills/abilities, interact/engage and learn from other musicians
far better than myself it's incumbent of me to
learn_the_language of music.....IE:
theory.
Not to dismiss the importance of learning the language of music by parroting....."oh Bill Bland & The Chandeliers didn't read music or know theory....so, I don't need to either".
Buuuuut....that's just me.
Carry on....