Although of course not necessary but as a personal advice, I would pick up site reading early on. It teaches you a lot about music and it's a formal way of persisting your musical thoughts.

Also, finding a good teacher and taking regular lessons helps. I would be suspicious of a teacher who wouldn't recommend learning to read the score.

Progress in the beginning might be slower, but long term trajectory and possibilities are greater when a student knows how to read/write also.

But of course everyone is free to use an instrument and music how they get most joy out of and can express themselves the way they want.