Is reading music a must - Is reading music a must

[CongaCaja]

In response to the question "How many members of the forum have been to music school?"...count me in the "Yes" column. I have a bachelors degree in music theory and a masters degree in music compostion. I studied classical percussion during my formal education and jazz in my informal education.

Only in recent years have I jumped into learning latin music/percussion. My conga teacher has a masters degree in musicology, but refuses to write music for lessons/assignments. He knows that I can read just fine and realizes that is *not* what I need to work on. In fact, he told me "no one is going to write anything for you if you go to cuba". Based on my first visit last year, he was right.

However, when I want to clarify something that he plays for me, sometime s will jot it down and ask him if I'm correct with my listening. So, it is convenient that we both have that ability read/write.

I encourage all young players to learn to read and some music theory, but they should avoid reading as a crutch...as I admittedly have at time in the past.

cjk



Edited By CongaCaja on 1106029509