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Good for you, Steph, and I hear you. I think a working understanding of standard notation just makes one's relationship with music clearer on so many different levels. I understand why many are hesitant to dig into it (it is, after all, pretty much like learning a new language); however, I've never met a musician that's done so that has regretted the decision.
It's infinitely easier to communicate musical ideas when all aboard speak the same languange. That said, I encounter all sorts of musical "dialects" in my work (is there such a thing as musical Pig Latin?!). There are times when I honestly have no idea what it is that some folks are trying to convey with arcane, or just plain weird, musical references that only make sense to themselves at that point in time. However, I sincerely try to figure out what the intended point is, as best I can. Whenever I feel myself near the brink of frustration with these odd musical communication exchanges, I think back to the point where I was clueless, where others were speaking academically (and efficiently), and they might as well have been speaking a foreign language - because they were, at that time. I guess I finally got sick of being left out of the loop, and dug into it for myself. My long time duo partner and I struggled mightly with communication for years, until he began taking piano lessons 6-7 years ago. Now we speak the same language.
You seem like a very level headed and even tempered person. Perhaps this is an excellent opportunity for you to provide some gentle education to some of the folks you come in contact with. Some will warm up to it and be appreciative, and others will feel intimidated and become defensive. You'll know how to handle situations as they arise.
I wasn't aware of the Christian book, but I bet that's really cool. The Levine book is an excellent resource.
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