I have not learned to read music. I really have no desire to do so. However, my "theory" contradicts what I just said. I do not believe that knowledge can be a detriment to creativity. In fact, knowledge can enhance creativity, by giving more tools with which to employ the creativity.

To those who would argue that it does inhibit creativity by teaching the player to play within the "box", I would suggest that the innate nature of creativity is to use the box and everything outside the box!

Be it banjo, kazoo, or any other instrument, I fail to see how knowing theory would inhibit the musician.

Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it!

khandu