This, to me, feels a lot like a bit of a discussion I had a while ago: I was asked if I was a musician. Now, I've been playing a musical instrument for more than half my life, have been complemented many times on my playing ability, and have even made significant money doing so occasionally. In most circles, my answer would have been a simple "yes".
However, the setting in this case was at a Salvation Army dinner, and the person asking was a member of the traveling brass ensemble who was being showcased that night. Now, I have come to The Army very late in life, but I know people (one of them being the whole reason I started playing music to being with) who grew up as Salvationists. They are taught to read music at the same age they are taught to read the Bible. On any given Sunday, I am essentially outclassed by pretty much anyone over the age of, say, 7. So, the answer to the question of being a musician was, in this case, "Well... kinda."
So to this question I have a similar answer. In most circles, say the average band I gig with, sure, I can read. I can look at a composition and tell you the time signature, the key, and if given a few minutes can suss out most of the notes.
(As an aside, I once joined a band named Circle of Fifths, thinking I was going to need to brush up on my theory. Turns out they were 5 guys sitting around stoned one day and thought the name was cool. I actually had to tell them what it meant... anyway.)
But ask me on a Sunday between 9am and 1pm or so, and no... can't read a note.
), reading is a basic fundamental that you should have under your belt, along with theory, composition, arranging and a bunch of other skill sets. Working stiff professional musicians need to grab every opportunity to make money that they can, and the lack of basic professional skills such as reading, arranging, etc will severely limit your income.
