"Performing from sheet music, be it by a singer or instrumentalist, is a distinct skill. If somebody has learned that skill then that is fine."

But, but, but, according to Jim, if you don't learn your stuff and sing or play it from memory, you're showing contempt for the music.

And it took me years to learn to read, and years to learn to play the guitar. Aren't they 'distinct skills' too?

Why can't fiddlers etc be arsed to learn the tunes they play? Aren't they being contemptuous too?