DevonB wrote: Being able to transcribe music you hear into sheet music can be a valuable skill. Just like being able to be able to play multiple instruments is a valuable skill. Writing/composing in a different method opens up musical avenues that you might normally not go down. However, if you can only write in one way, or don't compose music in the method you proscribe, doesn't make you 'bad'. That's like saying there's something wrong with you if you can only speak fluently in one language. Now, if you can speak multiple languages fluently, it opens other opportunities, like you have obviously experienced. It might make YOU a better composer, yes, but I'd be hard pressed to force someone else into a different paradigm that might not work for them. I certainly wouldn't criticize them for not seeing or doing it 'your way'. I don't 'hear' music in my head before I write it. I am an improv musician and hear it as I am writing, not before I write it. Should I say someone is deficient for not being able to do improv? To me, that's a valuable skill.
Devon
Point taken Devon. My comment (and the snarky tone) was not meant as a personal attack on you. I'm sorry that you read it that way. Cheers.