[quote][/quote]Reading well is one thing, but the player's interpretation what the composer laid out is just as important.

Ian
I have to agree with Ian. I have been playing since I was 10 yrs old. I started on the accordion. I was taught to read music and memorizing songs. Memorizing songs is not playing by ear. I admire and am envious of anyone who can play by ear. I cannot pick out Mary had a little Lamb but I can read the notes and improvise the music. I could play it in any style rock , country etc. I personally feel that a person is born with the ear as well as being able to sing. If you can sing you have a better ear. I am impaired in both of these categories.