I read and play by ear. I learned to read at a young age when I started piano lessons at around 5 years old.

Took classical piano for about 10 years, mainly a combination of Royal Conservatory and John Thompson Courses.

Learned how to play by ear when some friends wanted to form a band...fortunately they were all fairly good ear players, and even more fortunately, they had a lot of patience.

I then took the Yamaha Electone course, and after completion, I taught for several years, leaving to go work as a clinician.

I still read a lot, and play/practice a lot of piano...I mainly use fake books with the arranger, and like others have stated, I generally add some extra chords to a basic arrangement.

I usually use charts in the studio.

Ian