Interesting thread. I'm glad it was refreshed.

There's been a different kind of development in my weekly song circle. More than two years ago a friend brought an acquaintance of his to the Friday night music and she came faithfully every week. I had enough room in the house at the time so I didn't discourage her but I really felt that she added nothing whatever to the event. She did follow along on her guitar with the chords but she played so faintly no one ever heard her and she never sang. And after two years I still knew nothing whatever about her other than that she was a special needs teacher in a local school.

Then about four months ago she started doing one song a night, usually after just about everyone had left. She sang in a key way high for her so it was difficult to listen to, and she sang straight from the book, never raising her eyes, and she frequently got lost and made false starts.

Eventually, I started suggesting that she try a key just slightly lower and we all praised the improvement. Turns out that she has s sweet clear voice if she sings in a suitable key.

Now most nights she takes her turn just like everyone else. She still thinks she needs the book in front of her but once in a great while she'll sing a song from memory, and seems amazed that she remembered it.

I guess my point is that some people take just a whole lot longer to come out but it can be worth waiting for.

I still don't know anything about her other than she is a special needs teacher in a local school. *G*