"A very small proportion of the population are truly tone deaf,"
Been saying this till I'm hoarse.
There are simple exercises and techniques to assist in learning to sing tunes.
One of the reasons why I get so pissed off with those who sling the 'finger-in-ear' insult is that they are detracting from the very simple, millenium-old and world-wide singing aid - cupping the hand over the ear to assist in singing in tune.
Jim Carroll