Joe, Joe, Joe,

I beg to differ with you. Truly, some people are blessed with a "natural' ability to pick out the intervals and produce harmony lines. I am not one of those people.

The first requirement is an ability to sing melody. If you can't do that right now, harmony will not be any easier (in fact, it is harder). But if you can sing melody, I think you can be trained to sing harmony. Perhaps not to the point of jumping in on songs which you have never heard (some can do that), but certainly on songs where you know the melody down pat.

I just could not carry a tune in a bucket for years. Eventually, with regular practice, I learned to carry the melody, but I had no clues about harmony. With more practice, I learned a little harmony, but it was uncertain, shaky, and prone to sharps and flats that were not intended. Now, with practice, I have learned to sing harmony and songs I know well, and occasionally, I can pick up a harmony after a two or three verses on a song with which I am unfamiliar.

Don't discourage the new comer, Joe. Of course, I would recommend that most of your practice take place in the sanctity of your own home or vehicle. Certainly, you do not want to practice in the song circle next to Joe (or me ). Save your public efforts for songs you know well, at first, and sing them softly until you have some confidence.

I love to listen to three-part harmony and I used to think the trio's just picked it up. Having talked to people in trio's I know there is a great deal of hard work and trial and error to get those great blends!

Keep on singing, in harmony if you can.

Roger in Baltimore