Posted by Mary Ann on December 14, 2001 at 13:06:18:
In Reply to: Re: Re: ambidextrous playing...? posted by Ian Easton on December 14, 2001 at 08:02:28:
On the general understanding, I heartily disagree!! Because I'm wired to think "2nd valve lowers by 1/2 step etc" and also am cursed with "perfect" pitch, I can pick up a valved instrument in any key and play either by ear or read any clef on it, just by using that particular intellectual understanding. Admittedly it is a trifle slow, that is, I can't sight read 16th notes on an unfamiliar-keyed instrument, but I do waaaay better than someone who doesn't have this skill. Example: I can read viola music on an Eb alto horn.