Some time ago I shared with many of you my experience of an admission audition for the choral association I am now in. It was pretty tough and a perfect music reading was absolutely required (the group sings always at our main opera theatre, with national and foreign first-level orchestras and directors). After a dozen rehearsals, guess what is the happiest moment for the conductor ? When we all hide out the music sheets and sing by ear ! BUT: to reach that moment, he strictly selects people who can read perfectly.
A contradiction ? Although different styles and branches of music may not require a similar training, this could be a good example of how this ability can widen our horizons and drive us more easily to the pleasure of making music.
Un abrazo - Andrés