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Notes from The Music Hub
May 4, 2026
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Why I Prioritize Note-Reading
There are two basic approaches to learning piano.
One is based on reading music notation, notes and rhythms. The other is based on reading chord symbols and improvising things like accompaniments.
They both have value.
And I think they are both important in the long run.
And I teach both.
But they can't be taught simultaneously, so one must be given priority.
I give priority to note-reading. That is part of my teaching philosophy, which is rooted in my experience as a pianist and composer.
I can do both.
I am excellent and reading music and am one of the best "sight-readers" I know, which means I can play some pretty complicated music the first time I see it. But I can also read lead sheets and chord charts and can improvise over a jazz standard.
I don't say that to boast, but to testify to my experience.
However, when push comes to shove, I think being able to read music is a more versatile skill.
Over the weekend, I got a call from a local chorus teacher who was looking for an accompanist for their upcoming end-of-year concert (16 pieces of music!) Their usual accompanist suddenly was unavailable, and the concert is less than two weeks away. I was recommended, and since I had the dates free, I got the job.
I can do it, because I can read music well and it will not take me long to learn the music.
But what if I could only read chord charts or learn music by ear?
(There are professional pianists who fit that description.)
If that were the case, I would not be able to take this job.
- It is rare that the piano accompaniments for these particular pieces would be available as recordings to learn from.
- The time it would take to learn the intricacies of choral accompaniments would be prohibitive in a short time frame like this.
- Choral accompaniments are usually more complicated than simple chords, and are composed in such a way to help communicate the text. Simplifying them to just chords is functional, but would not be what the composer intended and would not be as beautiful.
- And this is the most important. THINGS GO WRONG DURING PERFORMANCE. The notated music helps to keep everyone literally on the same page.
I have been in performances where beats, measures, or even entire sections were accidentally skipped.
The sheet music is like a map. Even if we go off the intended "route", I can check the map, find and meet the other performers where they're at.
Sure, in a small band, you can do that without sheet music. But in a setting like this where there are many performers, the music is necessary.
But what if you don't ever want to be an accompanist? How does reading music help you?
Reading music gives you the power to learn new pieces more quickly.
In three minutes, one person can look over some sheet music for a piece and begin trying it.
Another person can listen to a song first, then try it.
Neither person will learn the piece in three minutes, but how much farther did the note-reader get in that time?
Reading music opens doors. It doesn't shut them. Ever.
Some people will tell you that reading music will interfere with improvisation or creativity.
That's just not true.
What interferes with improvisation and creativity is anxiety.
Some people use notated music as a crutch and think they can't make music without it.
But reading music by itself does not mean that you won't be able to improvise or make up your own music.
My own life testifies to this. While I was learning to read music as a kid, I still played around on the piano and wrote my own songs. I studied classical music and then I studied jazz and learned jazz improvisation. I'm a composer. No one can say that learning to read music made me not creative.
Reading music can't get in the way of you being creative unless you let it.
What reading music WILL do is give you the tools to be able to write down your ideas, so you don't forget them.
Reading music will make understanding music theory easier.
This is why I teach chords and scales after my Piano Accelerator Levels 1&2.
The Piano Accelerator program introduces reading music and the basic skills and techniques of playing the piano.
Then, we get into scales and chords.
At that point, the theory behind scales and chords will make more sense because you have already learned "notes." Putting them together into a more structured format allows you to become more versatile at using these tools.
After that?
You will be able to manipulate the scales and chords in all kinds of ways.
- Read lead sheets and chord charts
- Create your own accompaniments
- If you've been writing your own music or want to start, you will have more tools to make it easier.
The Piano Accelerator Levels 1&2 are already available to members of The Music Hub.
I will begin the Scales & Chords unit in June 2026.
In The Music Hub, I might start with note-reading. But I don't stop there. I also teach chords, how to read lead sheets and chord charts, and how to create accompaniments from those.
In The Music Hub, you have a teacher with professional experience across genres.
Don't forget - You're invited to join a FREE online workshop!
The Music Hub has officially been launched in Skool and doors are open for registration.
But maybe you have questions.
- What is it like inside The Music Hub?
- What is it like to learn piano online instead of in person?
- Am I able to help you with your piano problems?
- Are we a good match?
I'd like to give you an opportunity to find out!
I am hosting FREE online workshops the week of May 17-22, and you are invited to join me!
You can come as an observer, or if you are up for it, apply to be coached live during the session! (I have room for three individuals per session.)
To sign up, all you need to do is go to this link, fill out the form, and pick which session you want to attend.
https://forms.gle/EhRzxc8haEFCTEkV7
When I know you want to come, I will make sure to send you reminders, so you don't forget!
If you'd like to be coached live, there is a place to explain what I need from you so I can prepare.
There will be prizes for people who attend!
Do you have friends who might want to learn the piano? Invite them to come, too! Just share the link!
The Music Hub is now open on Skool!
If you've been thinking about joining The Music Hub, now's a great time!
This is perfect for beginners and beyond!
If you are just starting out or need a refresher on basic skills, the Piano Accelerator Levels 1&2 will cover everything you need to confidently read music and play with both hands together.
If you have more experience, you can find intermediate-level songs in the other sections of the classroom.
Weekly group lessons give you an opportunity to ask questions about specific snags you are hitting in whatever piece you are working on! (Even if it is not a piece that is inside the classroom.)
Registration is open until the end of May 2026, and the first 25 people who pay for the year in full will receive 4 FREE (30 min.) private online lessons with me to use throughout the year - a $150 value!
For more information, check out the link below.
https://heather-niemi-savage-music.kit.com/products/music-hub-membership
Thank you for being a valued member of The Music Hub Community!
Please contact me by responding to this email if you have any questions or concerns!
Happy Music Making!
Heather Niemi Savage, composer, pianist & educator
Founder of The Music Hub
