Do you recommend learning sheet music first or playing by ear?

[Shortie]

When I first started learning the keyboard at school, the teacher insisted that we learn by playing by ear first and then move on to sheet music when he felt we were ready.

What do you recommend when it comes to learning the keyboard? Do you feel it is better to learn by playing by ear or learn by using sheet music?

[Jason]

I can't really say. I mean, I approached piano with lessons in the 2nd grade, but learned guitar by ear in middle school.

And regarding drums, it started by learning sheet music for snare, but the drum set was first by ear, but soon I bought drum books with notes to get beyond playing very basic beats.

[Ravenfreak]

I think learning sheet music first will be more beneficial. I've taught myself a little bit of Green Hill zone by ear as a kid but I haven't read sheet music in a very long time. And the sheet music I did read was for the trumpet lol. Though playing by ear is cooler IMO, since you don't need to rely on sheet music. Though I would recommend that for more advanced players.

[Jason]

I can't really say. I mean, I approached piano with lessons in the 2nd grade, but learned guitar by ear in middle school.

And regarding drums, it started by learning sheet music for snare, but the drum set was first by ear, but soon I bought drum books with notes to get beyond playing very basic beats.

I will go back on what I said. I think all musicians should be able to read the bass and treble clefts, along with ear training.