See that's really interesting. I appreciate the perspective!

When I was looking to teach because of how, I guess, 'unsatisfied' I was with my formal training, I built curriculum excluding it rather than letting it dictate what I could participate in personally. This meant I had to start my own private organization, and technically I am not 'certified' on paper. But I've gotten 100% positive reviews from parents and students on my kind of unconventional style. There are pros and cons for sure, but one of the pros being I have a much easier time keeping kids engaged, which I think is huge.

I think there are most definitely benefits to being able to do it - I'd never argue that part of the equation - but I think the emphasis on it is so heavy so early, and unless you want to be a classical/jazz performer, it's not abundantly helpful. Not to say I don't teach it at all nowadays - I teach note names, piano theory 101, etc. - but the act of reading itself I mostly leave out.

Bottom line, it's a fun conversation to have for me. I like to get perspectives on the matter.

Nice to hear from you @bethwheatcraft! Hope you're doing well!!