These facts speak to this question.
JIMI Hendrix did not read music and did not study western music theory.
Edward Van Halen did not read music and won piano competitions at an early age.
Ever heard of them?
Starting out a student with a mandatory curriculum of reading staff is one sure fire method of turning a person away from the creative process that is expression on an instrument.
It is also unnecessary.
Ears and fingers. That matters more than any theory or deciphering ability.
Note: this may not apply equally to church choir singing on Sundays – or any other day of the week.
The common method used in modern day of indoctrination for purposes of replaying performance pieces in symphonic or ensemble settings is an acceptable lifestyle that many parents choose for their offspring and is a pathway which perpetuates itself ad nauseum. Also, in this case, learning to read what’s on the page is essential, no further creation is needed or forthcoming.
Ebbanoxious Guitar Lessons 