What a great thread!! I've been part of several different jams and bands over the past 10 years, some with really hot shot players, some with slower or less experienced players. I've learned a lot from all of them, and have the most respect for the people who really use their ears, whether they are fast or slow, newbies or old timers. Paying attention to what's going on around you, and working to augment it, make it better, tuneful, fun and lively, seems to make everything work better. I fiercely, cheerfully contradict when someone says they can't carry a tune, or are a terrible musician, because most people, with practice and listening, aren't.

I'm just about to launch into my first real teaching experience, and will definitely look over this thread as I go.

Melissa, I'm envious of anyone who can talk and play at the same time. How do people do that??