Learning Objectives for a Solid Music Education Program: The Importance of Learning Music Notation

A strong Music Education program trains its students to read and understand music notation and note values. Teaching music notation in both, the treble and bass clef using different note values and time signatures is significant because it promotes good ear training, sight singing/reading and rhythm for both, vocal and instrumental students. Playing and singing by ear is an excellent skill to posses but reading music notation while playing an instrument or singing, takes a musician to a higher level of understanding music. Also, it opens the doors to pathways not travelled by musicians who can't read music notation.
For instance, if a musician is hired to perform at an event that has a specific theme (wedding, funeral, luncheon, etc.), chances are, if there no recordings for the music to be performed, sheet music can be followed in order to play or sing the songs. Also, if a musician chooses to audition for a position as a choir member, director, or accompanist, the music to be sung or played can be learned at a much faster pace when two senses (hearing and sight) are relied upon rather, only, one (hearing). Not to mention most professional choirs require its members, directors and accompanists to read music notation in order to accomplish the desired results.
The information stated above is not, by any means, an indictment on musicians who do not read music. In fact, there are some excellent accomplished musicians who choose not to learn music notation. However, the ones I've come in contact with are exceptional. They are very gifted individuals in their area of musical expertise who remained focused and driven to achieve the high goals they had set, and continue to set for themselves. Unless a budding musician is on this level, it is strongly suggested that music students embrace the art of reading music notation.