I play by ear, but it hurts after a while, so I use my hands instead.
Seriously...I, like Brickboo, admire those who can sight read at the drop of a hat. I personally know some trained pianists, who are lost without sheet music, and I can't for the life of me figure out why? I can read the notes if you give me time to figure it all out, but the spontaneity of playing by ear can't be beat.
Anyhoo..just my thots on the matter. btw, my surgury has been re-scheduled for Feb.17th. Hope to see you all back here in the funny papers.