I think Don's comment was from long ago, actually, but it's a topic I care very deeply about.

IF a child has learned to play by ear first - as they did when learning to read (they learned language aurally long before they ever tried to master written words) - then of course learning to read music will not take away that skill.

But there is much evidence that if a child learns to play by reading first, then they are much less likely to master playing by ear - and even composition and improvisation - afterwards.

I know so many musicians who have suffered in this way, deprived of what should be a natural and empowering skill, that I sometimes feel that starting kids off with eye-to-hand techniques, instead or ear-to-heart techniques, is a mild sort of abuse. It's also lazy - but then so many teachers are themselves victims from their own childhoods that it's perhaps understandable.

Back on topic> Just keep moving the capo up one fret till you can sing the tune. It's not rocket science.