There are thousands of musicians who get tremendous joy out of playing. They don't sing a note.

I think Gary T makes a great point when he says:

"Now, is the real question one of trying to figure out if you want to do vocals, or trying to figure out what to say to folks who tell you, you should do them?"

I feel that a teacher should open doors, and explain to the best of their ability what lies behind the doors. Behind most of the "music option" doors lie OTHER PEOPLE. Some doors lead to "sessions", others to "song circles", some to "pickin' AND singin". There's the door that leads to a professional or semi-professional role, and there's a door that leads to "puttin' a band together". One door that is always an option does NOT have people behind it. It's for solitary satisfaction. Most people choose it. You play OR sing not for others, but for yourself alone. You play OR sing to relieve tension, to ease boredom, to heal the blues, or to simply feel good.

My job as I see it, is to help someone WHO HAS DECIDED WHICH DOOR(S) to enter, be as well-equipped as possible to deal with the stuff they're gonna find there.

For example if someone is going to visit a song circle for the first time (didn't you tell me that you were invited to one?) they need to know how to pitch a song, so that not only they, but others, can participate as well. If they're going to a session, they'd better be able to play in A, D or G. and MUST know the form most tunes take (A parts, and B parts and the like) and so on. If you're going to play or sing strictly for yourself, the only rule is...enjoy.

Pick when you want to...and sing (or don't sing) when you want to.

Rick