Why do we learn to read music? The answer is simple: so we can read and play it. Yet, there’s a curious phenomenon in the way music reading is often taught. Walk into many music reading classes, and you’ll find something surprising—often, there are no instruments in sight. Students sit at desks, poring over sheet music, dissecting notes and rhythms, but without the very tools that bring those notes to life. It’s a strange disconnect when you think about it.

So, why does this happen? And more importantly, does it really make sense?

Theory Before Practice

For decades, the approach to teaching music literacy (in other words, reading music) has been to focus on theory first and practice later. Students are expected to understand the language of music – notes, rests, dynamics – before they even touch an instrument. The idea is that a solid foundation in theory will make the practical application easier.

But there’s a catch: learning music this way can feel like trying to learn to drive by reading a manual without ever getting behind the wheel. Sure, you might understand the mechanics, but when it comes time to actually drive, you’re lost. Or, think of it like learning to swim by watching videos, but never actually getting in the water. Or training for a marathon by studying running techniques without ever going for a run. You get the picture!

The Problem with Theory-Only Learning

When music reading is taught without instruments, students miss out on the crucial connection between theory and practice. Here’s why this approach can be problematic:

1. Lack of Context: Music isn’t just about understanding notes on a page; it’s about hearing, feeling, and playing those notes. Without an instrument, it’s difficult to relate what you’re learning to the sound and experience of making music. Notes remain abstract symbols rather than the building blocks of a tune.

2. Delayed Gratification: Learning music theory without playing can be frustrating. You’re left waiting for the moment when it all comes together. For many, this delay can lead to disengagement. The excitement of playing music is what drives learning, and when that’s missing, motivation can wane.

3. Disconnect Between Reading and Playing: When you finally do pick up your instrument, there’s often a disconnect. Reading music is one skill, and playing is another. And when they’re learned separately, they don’t always sync up. This can lead to a frustrating gap between knowing the theory and being able to perform it.

The Solution: Integrating Instruments from Day One

If the goal of learning to read music is to play it, then why not integrate the instrument from day one? Here’s why this approach works:

1. Immediate Application: When you learn to read music with your instrument in hand, you can immediately apply what you’re learning. You see a note, play it, hear it, and internalise it. This reinforces the connection between the visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic aspects of music.

2. Engagement and Motivation: There’s nothing more rewarding than playing music. When you’re able to put theory into practice right away, it keeps you engaged and motivated. You’re not just learning about music – you’re making music.

3. Natural Learning Process: Learning to read music and play an instrument simultaneously mirrors the natural learning process. It’s how we learn most other skills – by doing. This approach helps you develop both skills in tandem, making the transition from reading to playing seamless.

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, music notation is not intended simply to be read – it’s to be read AND played!

That’s why the course I’ve created – Read Music the Trad Way – is all about helping you read and play tunes. You’ll be learning the skill of reading music by DOING (in other words, you’ll be reading and playing as you go along).  

So, if you want to master music reading following a fast, simple and fun method that is 100% tailored to traditional musicians, then what are you waiting for? Sign up now!