I guess I would consider myself more of an early intermediate player now, but I remember clearly the time of being a beginner - one living far away from a teacher or anybody else who played lute really. These are the things that I wanted, or that I think would have helped me more. Good music! There is more beginner stuff around now than there was then largely because of the publications of the Lute Society. But even some of that is uninteresting fluff of what seems to me rather low quality musically. Just because it was in some historical beginner's book/manuscript doesn't mean its either really suitable for a beginner or very good music. As something of a composer, I supplied my lack by writing my own little pieces, often based on historical models, at the level I could play. But not everybody can do that. A good method book. The Damiani book is pretty good, but wasn't out when I was at that point. But still, the average person needs more pieces that illustrate whatever the point is than are usually contained in the book. Somebody knowledgeable to watch. Here is where video clips can now be a real help. I'd read about thumb under, but it was really when I went to my first seminar that I actually understood what was being said by watching people doing it. So I think short, well-focused videos on particular technical points would be helpful. Teaching material on musical interpretation is also a possibility, but much harder to work logistically and get something from for the student. Summer seminars. I just want to add this to my list because I think its really, really helpful for beginners to connect up with other people, hear music played live, maybe have an opportunity to take a beginners' class, and that sort of thing. The LSA seminars here in the States are very good, and highly recommended for beginners. But in the meantime, working with the above things would still be helpful. Suzanne
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