Many of the finest players/performers played/play by ear. I didn't learn to site read until I was involved in a lot of studio work. Learning tunes is faster if you can read. Doing arrangements requires reading skills. Rehearsing for a one time performance is a lot faster when you site read. Look at Paul Shafer read charts when he backs Letterman guests.

I would never rely on charts for live performances, but it's great when you have a "one shot" guest or performance of unfamiliar material.

I don't know why every professional wouldn't take the time to develop a level of proficiency in site reading.


Russ