Over the years one of the toughest things I've encountered while teaching music, is helping the person who's learning "in a vacuum". No jokes about a Hoover, Spaw.

I'm talking about the person, who because of family or job constraints, is NOT surrounded by the kind of music they want to learn. They don't pick with family or friends, or go to song circles, or even have the boom box on constantly. They spend an hour or so with me every week, and maybe do their practicing early in the morning (or late at night) so as not to disturb anybody else in the house. It becomes a very solitary experience....and often the person has no concept of whether they are learning quickly or not. They simply don't have anything to measure their progress (or lack of) during the whole process.

This is exaccerbated if they aren't singing with their instrument (something I encourage constantly) and often it can take a long time for them to SEE and HEAR results.

This morning I got a call from one of my students, asking if I'd be willing to work with her partner (who's a complete beginner). "Absolutely" says I. She probably doesn't realize how quickly she's going to improve now that her partner's getting invovled (maybe they'll watch two hours less TV during the week)

Doesn't always work (getting the significant other on board) of course. I've never been able to get previous partners interested in playing, and Heather flat out said "I'm and audience....period!"

Just curious how many Catters have multiple pickers in the family.

Cheers

Rick