reading music is something that you definitely would want to learn in the near future and of course the sooner the better, but I know lots of people who play and can't read it. It depends on your goals also.

I am 46, just learning because I didn't have the patience to learn when I was 16. I wanted instant gratification, I wanted to PLAY right NOW!! Learning doesn't come as easy when you get older that an a missing thumb on my left hand so Stevie Ray I will never be, but I play for fun. Not really concerned about knowing every chord, note etc. Since I won't be rockin in any bands in the near future I am in no hurry. Therefore I will not pay for private lessons, but I can tell you that even if you pay month by month here, which is what I do it is only 15.00 which I think is more than well worth it. All the info and lessons and instructors you have access to here is incredible. I can tell you since I joined my musical ability is 10 fold of what it was.

give this place and honest try. Do one month first and check out all that is offered, I think you will find it is worth every penny and all these lessons are yours to go back to whenever.

Good luck
Jaime