A few centuries ago, the alchemists went looking for the Philosopher's Stone, which was supposed to turn lead into gold. They never found it, because it was strictly mythical. But their search turned up lots of useful chemical information along the way.

Perhaps these replies to the mythical Avril may help struggling beginners transmute their leaden repertoire into something more like the heavy yellow stuff. The elixir that can make anyone a star overnight is another myth - still vainly pursued by the alchemists of the music biz. But with good advice, and a lot of practice, all of us can improve, however limited our innate abilites.

Unlike most other kinds of music, folk is primarily about participation. Excellence is very nice when you can get it. But it's not excellence that keeps the folk movement going. Folk music needs its Avrils, as well as its Carthys. And the fact that its Carthys will take the trouble to give its Avrils a few words of advice and encouragement is one of our most precious assets.   

Wassail!