"Just my opinion, I am by no means a music scholar. I am an education major though, and for the folks talking about learning to play the instrument before reading music, we call it "sound before symbol" and it is universally accepted among educators   :)"

I was an educator--well, that's what my degree says. I wish you success with your calling. It's important work, and you should be very proud of yourself--but let other people tell you that. Good to meet you.

Bruce