Important?
So why didn't Cecil Sharp just learn the songs he collected by ear, and then perform them at folk clubs for others to learn?

Whether it's words or tunes, it's a great benefit that people can not only read words and music, but WRITE DOWN what they hear or make up themselves.

Those of you who do write know that it's very hard to get your exact intentions down on paper, it sounds right when you play it, but get someone else to play it - "How's this bit meant to go?"

We're all musicians, but we all have different skills. It's good that we use them and develop them, whichever branch of the Great Universal Music we play.