What was described made what could be constructed as arcane a bit more understandable. As I started out on trumpet reading written music was just how it was done and as a young kid, I never questioned the use of written sheet music.

Later, playing guitar, and reading sheet music was pretty rare. Later I started to play piano and sheet music became an advantage again. Having said all that, I was unaware of the connection between Gregorian chants and the dislike for try tones. Unless someone told you, why would you ever think about the connection between music created in the 9th and 10th centuries and the keyboard layout?

It is only because of the internet that I would ever likely had the occasion to be exposed to such things. Still, the discussion is in itself a bit arcane.

If all you have ever done is sight-read music your questions would likely be different than for example a guitar player who never saw any value in sight-reading.

If you only play piano by ear, then the question of B# and E# does not mean much, to begin with.

I find being able to play by ear and also being able to sight-read a huge advantage.

Some things have some logical basis, others not so much but the historical perspective is always interesting to me.

Billy

“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”