I guess we all have our opinions, and that�s good, but an open mind will always fuel you with more knowledge.

When I asked to play an instrument and that instrument was trumpet, and that decision was made by my dad (Wrong) I was sent to my uncle�s home who played trumpet with the street bands. Hold on for this one; I had to study the reading of music. You call out the names of the notes and you move your hand to the tempo like a conductor. Till this day reading and timing has not been an issue, I paid the price.

I studies trumpet for three years and then turned away.
I took guitar lessons for 7 years and continued with the big pros when they came to New York City.

When I bought my keyboard I promised that I would not take lessons. Reason, learning a great deal about playing your instrument has a tendency to make you play mechanical. We see that in the people who constantly play their well learned scales. As the guitarist Chet Atkins said when asked if he could read music, �Not enough to hurt my playing�.
I decided that I needed to put what I had learned in storage and express my what I was feeling. I now play my impro lines differently on both instruments. I mastered the guitar and I just play the keyboard.

As for reading music, it is simple. If I can teach a child of 6 to read music what�s the big deal. As far as the theory of music I never taught a theory class only enough theory to help them in the present.
AND, if you are not able to read music it is very much like going to the library and being surrounded with knowledge and excitement but you have no way to get it.

Every area has it pros and cons, there is no perfect area.
As for James and his daughter � don�t listen to her words but her feelings, it is there where you become her precious and her friend the rest is only just STUFF. If they end up playing or not is the big deal. What is important is that they have the freedom to select according to their desires and talents and gifts. This in no way puts away your leadership, it remains very important it just operates with a different motive that is loaded with sensitivity.

Wow, did I write all that?

John C.