"learning to play an instrument will enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of music in a big way"

I sort of know where you're coming from, Tunesmith, and I'm sure you don't intend to be patronising, but I think the downside is the implication that those of us who, for a whole heap of reasons, can't play an instrument have a diminished enjoyment and appreciation of music. I personally have been moved, enchanted, flipped inside-out and transported to another dimension by some of wonderful music I have had the privilege of listening to over the years. It has quite literally changed my life for the better. None of us can hear through anyone's ears but their own or process sound in anyone's noddle but their own. That's why we al have differing tastes and experiences. You really can't put a value judgement on that, nor should anyone try.

I'm not ranting (honest!), but I've been told this a number of times over the years and it still doesn't ring true. I can't imagine anything that would make the absolute spine-tingling delight when I listen to, say, Robert Wyatt's "Rockbottom" or Shirley Collins' "Love, Death and the Lady" any greater. If my pleasure were to increase any more I might simply keel over under the boundless weight of it!

I can't make a film, either, but that doesn't stop me from being bowled over every time I watch "A Taste of Honey"...

So, neither proud nor ashamed, but deeply grateful to all those wonderful musicians who have made my world a brighter place.

I too read far more threads than I contribute to. I really miss Malcolm Douglas's posts - it's writing like that, and similar stuff from other generous sharers of their knowledge, that makes Mudcat for me. I'm also seriously trying to avoid the BS section as an early new year's resolution...