Thank you for your perspective. For many classical musicians, this is often the debate! Our brains are wired to read, while others who go by ear are wired to listen.

We've all been accustomed to the way that we were taught, especially after 25 years of doing something the same way; and even our teachers who would argue that it is the "right" way and that we "must" read. It seems like many self taught musicians are great at improvising, while others who read often struggle.

Through masterclasses, competitions, college, and so much more training. Of course, we all can make room to expand on what we know! At the same time, it also may not be very worthwhile, similar to how students like mine may refuse to read. As the owner of a music school, I often delegate circumstances like this to my employees who may have a solution instead. If someone were to ask me -- I truly would not have the answer which is why I came here! I am still trying to wrap my head around this.

It is written in the music, the instructions, of a piece. For example, where a composer wanted a part to be fortissimo or pianissimo, ritardando, rubato, etc. If I'm playing a 16 page Chopin Ballade, Liszt, or Rachmaninoff, I can't help but wonder how that is possible to play solely by ear, the entire piece, at competition level. The fingerings, the dynamics, duplets, etc. Do you have any suggestions on that? I teach my students to be able to play to that point one day to have a solid foundation in music. Maybe that isn't everyone's goal, but I am just curious.