I suppose I subscribe to the Walt Meyer way of playing. I read the sheet and play until I have it memorized, then go off on my own. I pretty much stick to the written music, but it also has my own twist on it. Whenever I play something new or unknown, I just keep playing along until something clicks, then I know I have it nailed. I played by ear for many years, but it has it's limits, so I learned to sight read, and the big notes in the music books certainly helped. I'll never be a piano player, but with the assistance of Technics, I won't have to lose any sleep over it.