Most people who are self-taught play by ear. I'm self-taught on guitar and play virtually everything by ear. I use tabs and the chord frames but not notes very much. The chords are essential to me for playing the uke since I don't know my way around that instrument too well.

Bass is different because I'm learning from a university-trained teacher who learned from the first chair bassist in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (Robert Gladstone). Now the emphasis is on learning from the page. I get drilled and drilled and drilled. Consequently, I can play the music from the page without a problem. I doubt seriously I would be that good at it without an instructor to drill me like the guy on "Full Metal Jacket." He said that's how Gladstone taught him-drill drill drill drill practice practice practice practice. He said Gladstone was like Zen monk when it came to bass-playing--a very rigid, thorough work ethic.

So if you want to get good at reading music, get an instructor. They push you harder than you would normally push yourself. And that's how you learn. Few people have that kind of resolve on their own. But a teacher gives you pieces and knows when to move onto harder ones and how hard they should be. I think it works better.