Reading Music!?

Over the years I have often thought about those individuals who can tear a piano up and yet not be able to read music fluently. What is it exactly that allows those individuals to be able to do this? Some of us have had to work very hard at becoming efficient readers.

In my immature, undeveloped, prejudiced opinion I used to think that if a person could play by "ear" that it really wasn't necessary for them to be able to read music. This was the case for me. From the time I was little I could play. It came pretty easy for me. Therefore as I was studying throught the years, I developed an attitude of carelessness. Because of this it was harder for me to master written works of music because I was always wanting to do my own thing. Having said this, I want to go on record to say, that now I realize the limitations that I put on myself having developed this kind of attitude. I am happy to say that I have changed a great deal in my opinions and I do see the value of hard work in learning to read fluently.

This is not to say that one is not a good musician if they cannot read music fluently. I have compiled a list of musical ideals which I myself am still endeavoring to accomplish.
1. Play for the glory of God.
2. Be motivated to learn all I can.
3. Understand that value of studying written works that may or may not always be
interesting to me.
4. Be educated in the various periods of music history.

Techniques extremely valuable to the reader and non-reader.
1. Understand primary chords, how they work together.
2. Learn inversions.
3. Learn to transpose.
4. Learn scales and key signatures.
5. Develop an in depth chord base to pull from.

Don't worry if you are not the greatest reader.
Play with feeling. Learn what works and what doesn't.
Ask your friends family what they think of your playing. Are your improvisations enjoyable to the ear? Or is it too much?Learn to balance.

Remember God has given us our love for music. We are responsible to develop the talent that God has given us.