When I started singing folk songs, I didn't play a folk-related instrument to any useful level, but then I had a serious illness and couldn't sing for months. I got really depressed about this - any singer will know how awful it feels not to be able to sing when you're used to doing it all the time.

So I decided to learn the melodeon. I thought that if I couldn't sing, I could at least get on with learning something new, and eventually I might be able to play in sessions.

Quite quickly, I learned to play the melodeon to a passable level and was soon joining in enthusiastically at sessions. In time, my voice returned to normal, and I kept the promise I'd made to myself during my illness - that I would make the most of it and sing at every opportunity. So now I still do both, and get twice as much out of my music as I used to.

I don't think anyone should feel apologetic or guilty about not singing or not playing - after all, many or most singers don't play an instrument, and most instrumentalists don't sing much, if at all. And we all like to have an appreciative audience, not composed entirely of people who are busy playing, or awaiting their turn to perform.

I would, however, encourage everyone to have a go at a new form of music-making, be it singing or playing a new type of instrument. Even if your efforts are only for your own private enjoyment and are never good enough to play or sing "out" (and I have several other instruments I play at this beginners' level), every attempt teaches you something about how music works, and trains your ear and your brain in ways which will enhance your other musical skills as well as your enjoyment of other people's music making.

Marje