[bumby]

I think, maybe to the OPs point, that would require you to either 1) remember the tune perfectly to recreate it, 2) or to have a recording that you can continually reference. #1 is still unreliable and sheet music was created when #2 was unavailable.

I'm personally envious of those who can play by ear but have found reading music to be easier to learn by comparison and more precise.

[john61]

I learn by sheet music and ear. Ear is by far more precise because of the severe limitation of musical notation. As Mahler said: The essence of music is not in the notation.

[bumby]

I see your point and I think you’re right. Notation is more limited. To clarify, notation is more precise for me due to my limited ability to differentiate well enough by ear.