Good luck with the course, it sounds a good idea to me. I run an open music session and we try to be as welcoming to newcomers as we can, but some people do struggle a bit when they find it's all done by ear and that no-one can tell them what's going to happen next. I know there are other people who wouldn't even come to a session because they're afraid of being out of their depth, or feel that maybe everyone else knows things they don't know.

It's pointless telling them, "Just go along and play" because they're not ready for that. The don't know (for instance) which keys are most accessible to other instruments, how many times to play each tune and its repeats, how to find out the names of the tunes and maybe get hold of a recording or the dots, and lots of the other things so sensibly listed in the course details. Sure, some of us have worked those things out for ourselves, but others find the whole thing too intimidating and mysterious.

And why on earth shouldn't a fee be charged? People pay to attend all sorts of music courses. In this instance, what matters is not whether the tutors are qualified music teachers but whether they know their subject as defined in the course details, which I'm sure they do.

It may be that some music sessions will make sure every newcomer is welcome and gets a quick induction into its habits and practices if necessary, but many don't, and can appear cliquey and inaccessible. If a course like this gives others the confidence to come along and have a go, it could be just what some people need. Best of luck! (oh, but do get rid of the music stands...)