Hi Pete:

I liked reading your note and the following notes because it makes me think about music, and how maybe I relate to it. I'm coming back to your spot just to see all of what you've created with your question. I'm new enough to this site it's nice to read what others think about music as I don't really know any musicians. Don't rate yourself as a "poor musician". You've picked up an instrument because something of it is in your soul, no matter who is out there that makes you rate yourself as "poor". Okay, we all learn, yes. The great journey aspect is the key, not the grades (to me that's the greatest thing about learning out of desire and on your own -- no grades, just attaining your soul yearning). Your note got me to think about how I relate to my piano. If a teacher or a real "pianist" saw me, (okay I'm self-conscious and if a real professional pianist were near I'd be nervous and not want to play ha) they'd walk away. Maybe sense your soul and what you would like to come out of it to others and to yourself, beauty or sense of fulfillment. I stumble with my piano; and I play anyway. I played enough it seemed what was in my soul first touched me and eventually was also touching others. Another thing, my piano is like my banjo is like my harmonica, my autoharp... maybe because they are all one. Piano is my favorite window of sorts, the view is nice, a journey into another world. Keep playing. I know, music is in your soul and it will come otherwise you would not have even picked up an instrument. Music is a language, have patience and your soul will sing.
Most Sincerely,
Mike Jensen