Saxophonist: Reading Music vs Playing by Ear

There has been an age old debate that has ended many relationship with awesome saxophonist. Which is better and who makes the best Saxophonist, those who sight read/play sheet music or those artist who are gifted and able to play what they hear or what is otherwise termed "playing by ear"? Those saxophonist who read sheet music will argue that they are able to reproduce music just as it was originally scored, and do not run the risk of sounding the same on every song. The simple pleasure that is enjoyed commercially in a financially lucrative since is knowing what to expect and hearing it that way every time. Studio musicians bank on that simple fact ... their employer is not interested in their personality, they just want the piece played well. That is how consumers develop favorite artist, favorite songs and tunes. There is no risk involved once the musical piece has been established... just play it as written so the audience can anticpate the tune and it does not disappoint. Musician, pass go collect your check and be satisfied that you are making a fairly decent living doing what you love the most... playing your saxophone.

I must admit, I am a bit prejudice to this style ... it happens to be the way I express myself on my sax. Playing by ear is comparable to sky diving, it takes knowing your horn, honing your skills but no matter how much you prepare each time you play a piece it becomes new and fresh... in other words it is exciting but at the same time one of the most peaceful experiences. In layman's terms - you never know what is behind the door until you open it. Playing by ear does require that you know your scales inside out and then outside in. It requires that you change the rhythm's by which you run the scale. It always helps if you know the song and if you can feel it. When you can feel the song and have those feelings expressed through your fingers then it is a success. Some people use this method in a not so deep since... they hear a tune and they mimick it... although simplistic ... it is not as rich. I, as a saxophonist, do read but most of the time I fly... free and high. Unless you are well known it is not the most consistent in pay but ... boy does it feel good!

So some of you may be wondering which way is better? Those musicians who are well honed in both are the absolute best. Both methods have great merit it is basically just a matter of your preference. I have a neighbor who should really stick to sight reading - only he can't read (no, his name isn't Johnny), he practices more than anyone I have ever met. He turns up his CD player and then just plays in the wrong key, the wrong everything... he sounds horrible and I told him so. I tried to show him some things that would help him... you know like slow down and find the correct key and then the correct scale ... it didn't work. So weather you sight read or play by ear it is best when you know what you are doing!