[tobr]

Practical and useful, yes! Stunting development is something different. I do know how to read sheet music, but I’ve never practiced it to be fast enough to sight read. I’ve never felt that this has stunted my development - if it had, I probably would have picked up speed naturally.

[ksenzee]

Sightreading is difficult enough that most pianists aren’t any good at it. Those who are get props and envy from other musicians.