[JKCalhoun]

Perhaps it's because it's how I taught myself, but I am in the camp that chords should be taught first (guitar or piano).

Notes, reading sheet music can come much later (if at all).

Two or three chords on either the guitar or piano is an easy start and will open up a world of songs for the learner.

I watched my daughters take lessons and tediously work through reading sheet music, learning scales... I thought it was no wonder they hated it, and no longer play an instrument.

[a9h74j]

I once attended a workshop by a guy who had been a salesperson for Piano I, Piano II etc books. He noted that sales of those fell off geometrically for each successive book. So he basically advocated/hawked an improv and "fakebook first" approach, as a means to make enjoyment [potentially] primary.

I had an interesting night some years ago interacting with a Google piano ML available online. It would broadly mirror your input is a sort of call and response way. Even with only a qwerty keyboard (i.e. home row) and really elementary melody/stacatto it was remarkably pleasing. Relatedly, This could be one reason I anticipate great potential with GPT-like tutors.