I told Arthur that I'll be happy to play with him as soon as he is ready but that he needs to get his fingers going- and that means practice. I told him that I'll bring my guitar down sometimes and we can sit side by side and make the chords. Mike, the facilitator, told him to set the guitar by his chair at home and pick it up every time he sits down.

(Mike doesn't have an instrument at the moment, he says. He gave his guitar to a 9-year-old who is taking guitar at school.)

Arthur may have a problem beyond that of most people. Unless he is just being shy - he claims not to know any songs. On the other hand he said that he sometimes sings along to the radio. I already know he likes gospel songs and those will be the easiest to learn, no doubt. Arthur is a black man- I hope he doesn't expect me to sing Motown!