Tony - Re:- 'Reading a possible hindrance'. ?

I feel that the ability to sit down and rattle off a piece of Chopin, is something I envy. - We ear players may have the advantage of sitting down at anytime, and playing anything from 'Won't You Come Home Bill bailey' to 'Laura', but what wouldn't I give to sit down and play the Rachmaninovs of this world. !!

However, playing by ear does seem to have one decided advantage:- Namely 'PHRASING' - Beats in a bar mean nothing to an ear player. You 'phrase' the notes in any bar to the shape and length you want. It's called 'freedom of expression'. And 'JAZZ'.

My thanks to Bill and John for your kind comments. Glad you liked 'Summer Of 42' John. It's a beautiful song, which I think was composed by Michel Le Grand. - Cheers,

Colin