Going back to your initial e-mail, Barry, that many solos used to be
played at NSP gatherings in the early days - at least before 1990,
and now very few choose to stand up on their own before the
gang. -
At that point in time there weren't many expert pipers other than
Richard Butler - and he was always very supportive and encouraging to
beginners. Now we have the possibility of hearing a dozen or so
superb players both live, and on CDs. Inevitably we compare ourselves
with these performers and find ourselves wanting. Despite all of the
compassionate and encouraging things which have been said on this
thread in the last few days we nevertheless, still assume that others
are going to make comparisons and be critical. It has been my
experience that if there is a tutor, or a good piper with a strong
personality, in the group session who can create a non-threatening
atmosphere and give a gentle, encouraging push, after one person has
broken the ice and set the ball rolling - and possibly made a few
mistakes, the rest are usually happy to follow suit.
Often, when a group of amateur musicians get together (whatever their
instruments), it seems that everyone wants to play all of the time -
especially if there is a common repertoire. Maybe we have to learn to
enjoy sitting back and listening to each other more frequently -
(really listening, and not starting to chat while someone plays his/her
solo). Or perhaps it is a good idea to encourage people to bring
along a new tune which lies well on the pipes, to share by first
playing it to the group, and either hand out the dots or teach it by
ear/rote - ( though this sometimes doesn't go down well, because it
means sitting back and really listening when, as mentioned above,
everyone wants to play all of the time).
Well, that's my pennyworth
Sheila
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