Who here *does not* play with others?

[Caleb]

I see tons of posts on people jamming and getting together with others to play a few times a month. I've often wondered how many simply like to play at home alone? I never go and play with other musicians. Mostly because I don't know very many and I also don't have the time.

When I picked up the mandolin I'd have people telling me to learn "this and that" tune, because it'll work well in a session, etc. It's been over a year and I've yet to attend a session and honestly just like to play solo, or with my wife on piano. I tend to like to play the music that I enjoy, rather than what would work well in a session or group.

Anyone else content with just playing at home for enjoyment?

[CES]

I primarily play at home as well, though I have another friend who tries to play guitar as badly as I...when we get together and there's single malt involved, you never know what might happen...

truly, though, I need to play with others more...whenever I do, even if I play badly, I have a great time (even without the single malt http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ) and almost always leave inspired to improve and learn new songs...that said, I also enjoy playing for myself or accompanying my wife, who can flat out sing...

[Brady Smith]

Well...I'm content only because I have to be. I've been waiting for people to play with for a couple years. (So to speak.) I would love to have a group to play with or even just another person or two yet I have seldomly ran across anyone who plays anything other than a radio. That's enough for now, I'll go back to waiting.

[chip]

I'm content playing alone as no one plays well enough for me to play with any regularity. Just a bunch of gomers you know. These people that play 220 bbm are just too slow for me and just because they can play all those chords, big deal. My phone rings off the hook with people trying to hire me. I've had to employ screeners to keep them away. geez...just leave me alone I say...
Therefore I play alone, next to the phone, writing songs that no one shall hear...just drinking my beer and waiting for my dear... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[kudzuklunker]

What's your number chip? I'm going to need a bus driver!

[Jeff Hildreth]

In several decades of playing stringed instruments, I can safely say that I have played with others about 40 hours total

[JEStanek]

I may need to practice a lot more to have Chip's problem but I pretty much play home alone. I really liked sitting in at the jam I went to once and I always enjoy the jam at the Philly Folk Fest but my current work/kid situation has me at home. No complaints though. I'm happy and enjoy the music I make.

As much as I love the music the pros make I wouldn't want to trade lives with them. It's gotta be hard to travel so much and have to be "on" for the shows and then meeting everyone afterwards. I imagine it can be great but very hard too. That's a hard way to earn a living.

Jamie

[Brandon Flynn]

I don't play with others much. Sometimes I attend a bluegrass jam in my town, but I have started to shift my main interest to classical. I don't know anyone my age who plays classical music on any instrument besides piano. I gotten kind of bored with the jam, mainly because I don't yet have the ability to improvise, and it gets boring just chopping chords and playing the same songs every week with no variations on the melody. I don't prefer to play by myself, but at the moment I am forced to.:(

[John Uhrig]

I don't get to play with anyone either. Moved to a smaller town last year and haven't found anybody to get together with. Guess that is also why I like to play classical (mandolin & guitar) because then you don't need anyone else.

[Jim MacDaniel]

I play with others, but I don't play well with others. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[chip]

I migrated to the West Coast with the intention of playing music, "making it", and having the acclaim of being a "professional" touring musician. Unfortunately I had to make a living rather quickly so that aspiration migrated also. So....many years later...I'm in a position to do that of which my earlier intention didn't complete. Some friends of mine do tour, at least 220 gigs a year, are on the road constantly, drive a van to all the gigs, live in Nashville, travel to Europe, etc. etc. It's a hard life. If I was in my 20's/30's maybe...but now?? Ha...I'd last about two months and that would be it...therefore...I play alone, solo, songs never to be heard by others, sitting near the phone, drinking my beer, blah blah blah...where's my grammy anyway...
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[JeffD]

The two are not mutually exclusive. I do both.

I love to play out at jams, with and for other people. (I love to play with; much more than I love to play for.)

But then I love just playing alone, distinctly not practice, but playing. Fiddle tunes and classical and whatever and just noodling around, just to hear and feel myself play. I especially like to rotate among several instruments, and experience the differences in how they play and how they sound.

When I was younger I was in a few bands and was all about getting good and getting gigs and being booked and being heard. Now, not so much. If I play for others, I like it better at a home or small venue, everyone sitting close enough so that no amplification is required.

Some folks love to play dances. I have done a lot of this, and its a great learning experience, but it is not as much fun anymore to play "Double Lead Through" or "Petronella" 34,342,456,268,455 times.

Some folks are really into writing new tunes or new songs, and perhaps recording them and mixing them and such. That's great too. I have rarely been able to write a tune that held my own interest, so I haven't gone that route.

There is no right or wrong in how you enjoy playing. Do what you like, don't do what you don't like. Its all good.

[Caleb]

As much as I love the music the pros make I wouldn't want to trade lives with them. It's gotta be hard to travel so much and have to be "on" for the shows and then meeting everyone afterwards. #I imagine it can be great but very hard too. #That's a hard way to earn a living.

Jamie
Jamie -- I feel the same way. The other night I was watching a documentary on a band that I like. I saw all the bickering in the studio and all the power struggle/ego BS and I remembered what it was like to be in a band situation. I looked at my wife and said, "I'm really glad that's not my life". I rather enjoy hitting the clock everyday and coming home to open arms and shouts of "Dad's home!!!!" Good times. I can't even imagine being out on the road and away from that...even if it was doing something that I loved.


On the thread: These are really good responses and it's nice to see so many others who just play at home and enjoy making that type of music. One of my goals this year is to learn some classical pieces to better enjoy my instrument. I'm trying to learn to read notation right now and it's a nightmare IMO. Anyone who says it's "easy" must be smarter than me....which is a possibility I'm completely open to.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[chip]

Growing older has it's limitations... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[mrbook]

I play alone around the house all the time. I don't practice - I just play tunes, sometimes for a few minutes, other times for hours. I also play in a band - part time, but usually 50-75 shows a year. That's the other extreme. I enjoy the band, not for the applause but to see if our playing can entertain people. I have never been a big fan of most jam sessions; if I'm not playing with a band I would rather stay home and play by myself.

[John Hill]

I don't pick with others although there is a regular jam here in Louisville. Just seems that after work and with the wife on night shift there's not the time to squeeze it in.

There's a couple of guys I pick with on & off at fishing get-togethers and they're more singer-songwriters (and brilliantly funny ones at that!) and there isn't too much string burnin' then.

[JEStanek]

I think we should all print one of these out and hang it with pride next to our mandos on the wall or laminate and stick to our cases under our beds because we don't play out. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Since no one else knows who "really" won, we all can. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: No writers were injured or involved in this awards post. Support you writers and enjoy the lack of TV by playing alone more.

Jamie

[Jason Holmes]

My work and family situation keeps me playing solo at home more often than not, but like many here have said, I get great pleasure from that, and I definitely wouldn't trade my life for that of a touring musician. I get out to jams once in a while, play with a couple of friends here and there, but the vast majority of my playing happens after most folks are asleep, unless I'm playing for/with my kids which I always look forward to. They're the best audience I could ask for.

[jasona]

I don't play with others ENOUGH, because I'm deathly afraid of causing train wrecks, which only increases the likelihood of doing so...

[LateBloomer]

Playing music with others is sort of like playing a team sport - every player is needed - and if it works well its a heck of a lot of fun. Some folks like team sports, other folks like to go jogging alone. It's all good!

I'm trained as a painter (you know artsy fartsy type - not house painter). That is a very solitary pursuit. Playing music has widened my circle of friends. Do I have the chance to jam very often - no. Do I cause some train wrecks when I go to jams - yes. But it's a great learning experience.
Leigh Ann

[allenhopkins]

Growing older has it's limitations... #
But it's better than the alternative, IMHO.

[argonaut]

yeah theres a few jams here in Louisville but have never gone. I need a lot more practice not to mention courage to get up there. maybe after I get all chords down. Until then I'll just have fun sitting at home and picking away for fun )

[arbarnhart]

I enjoy both, though oddly enough I feel like I get in more of a rut playing with others than alone. Same songs or similar almost every time.

[Roydw3]

the next closest jam I know of occurs regularly and I'd love to attend but it is 2 hours each way...so I play alone

[kestrel]

I live in a very isolated valley in the Pennsylvania Appalachians, and play mostly Irish Traditional Music and Old Time tunes for my own entertainment. When I was a youngster, I played music semi-professionally, and was into the "seriousness" of it. When I took up mandolin a coupla years ago, I really had no desire to butt heads with the "hotshots", and contented myself with playing alone. I still don't want to do the session/group jam thing, but recently I met another old guy who plays guitar really well, and we've gotten together a few times, and I must say it's a blast. He plays everything from jazz to Bluegrass, but had never been exposed to ITM. He's having a ball learning it, and we're having a ball playing whatever strikes our fancy. I still enjoy playing by myself, but I do believe that music is much like another well known, and favorite human endeavor. It can be enjoyed alone, but there's something so satisfying and almost magical when shared. Conversation, I mean! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Bill Snyder]

Rowdy your profile says you are in Odessa. A quick look online came up with this jam. (http://www.banjohangout.org/w/events/details/banjo/event/id/3533/) in Odessa.

[sgarrity]

I love playing with others. Nothing is more satisfying than making music with other people IMHO. I also like playing for me but the two activities are not mutually exclusive

[GVD]

Jam Finder (http://www.folkjam.org/)

GVD

[lgc]

I guess I would say for most of us who haven't archived a god like level, where others playing will only drag us down, that playing with others takes time to feel comfortable with. I think it is worth it in the end though-or at least something to be tried.

A: I think playing with other people, especially people that I'm friends with, is the funnest thing ever.

B: Playing with others 3 or 4 times a week has really made me play better. Not with fancier licks but with a deeper sense of drive and confidence. Not to mention you have a choice at home and therefore it is easy to stay near ones comfort level. I've been forced to play ancient jewish tunes, spanish tunes, beguines, swing, choro, country and a whole slew of other styles that I don't know how to play. Did I play well-probably not. Was it fun and educational-yup.

On causing train wrecks: They can be the best things to ever happen to a musician.

[steve V. johnson]

I very rarely play -mandolin- with others, and I really enjoy playing it around the house, just messing around.
There's one tune the Lopers do, Gillian Welch's "Tear My Stillhouse Down," and I play mando on that, and that's great fun.

I play bouzouki and guitar in Irish sessions (not what one would call "serious," nor "professional") and do gig playing Irish music, and I play bass with the Lopers (again... not what one would call "serious," tho we try to behave in the good sense of "professional").

Mandolin home alone = Wonderful.

stv

[Timbofood]

When I started I was working(If you can it work) at a very small folk shop here in Kalamazoo. I felt like I had to learn something on most of the instruments so I could sell them. It all starts out alone but when things "Click" with other people the learning curve changes. Most important thing I was ever told (not so critical when playing alone) is:"If you miss a note, you can't go back for it!" PLaying alone is fine if there is no one to share with but for me the sharing is so much fun. I have a friend of many years who says "I have to get in shape to play with people." I don't know how you can learn to anticipate what someone else will do unless you are face to face. Body language can telegraph where something/someone is going. Alone is one thing but for me it's a certain amount of "community." Now I shold go change strings

[swampy]

I just moved to Southern NH 6 months ago, and have yet to play with anyone since moving. It Stinks! I enjoy the heck out of playing by myself at home, but I also enjoy the occasional jam or picking party. I'm not exactly into the "combat jam", but it is nice to met new people, learn new tunes and licks and just hang out with folks that appreciate bluegrass and old time music.

[Timbofood]

I have not gone to change strings yet, still hanging out here. The other advantage to the lucky finding of other likeminded musical folk is the always welcome sharing of libations (or recipes).

[JEStanek]

I agree about playing out occasionally being a great learning tool and a motivator. Believe me, I'm not calling out tunes or playing hot licks, I'm lucky to stay on the beat and follow the chord changes but the community of playing together is fun (if the situation is friendly for beginners). Recipies, drinks, food, love of the music.

That said, my playing at home alone is a useful tonic to modern daily life.
Jamie

[Kbone]

Try some of those jam books/cd's that have you playing with a live band w/ music/tab included, next best thing IMHO.

[Bertram Henze]

Two lines from songs come to my mind - "you can buy seclusion but you can't buy peace" and "life is not tried it is merely survived if you're standing outside the fire".
I need both - the session to give me a challenge (and train wrecks, yes, keep 'em coming: peace is what you reach after facing your fears) and practising at home to come to terms with my instrument and with myself.

Bertram

[CharlieKnuth]

Growing older has it's limitations... #

Not growing older is even more limiting.

[jimbob]

I used to play the 5 string with a bunch of pickers down in South Texas and used to go the BG assoc. jams in a couple of towns down there, but since taking up the mandolin, I am just now getting to the point where I feel like I could play with some other pickers. I get to pick with my teacher once a week and we get some folks here at our lake resort that pick a little. I am going to start making more of an effort to seek out pickers. I think it's much more fun to pick with others. I do enjoy learning by myself, but I'm ready to step out!

[fatt-dad]

There's a part of me that says, "It ain't music if you do it alone". Don't get me wrong, I do A LOT of playing alone - some of it practice, some of it noodling, some of it running through the tunes I don't want to forget, BUT I feel playing with people is the ultimate end-game. Sometimes, it may be a simple performance or an old-time group jam, but fellowship in music is the end-game (for me).

I liken music to language. Talking to yourself, may prepare you for talking, but that's just about it. Playing music by yourself is in the same catigory. In many instances, when I play "alone", I'm really on the porch thinking to myself that there's a neighborhood audience, I just can't see them - ha.

Right now, I'm working on a song - mostly playing it alone. The goal, however, is to play it for the talent show of our annual church retreat. I'm looking forward to that!

Hopefully, I'm not saying there's no benefit to playing alone. I really think that there is! I think learning/exploring and practicing music is essential to personal growth. I just think it important to share this growth with other folks.

f-d

[JeffD]

BUT I feel playing with people is the ultimate end-game. #Sometimes, it may be a simple performance or an old-time group jam, but fellowship in music is the end-game (for me).
There are many who feel the same. I just read that book "Practicing" by Glenn Kurtz and he expresses much the same thought, that we have to be aiming for playing in front of people.


But I often like to play just for me. I am my audience. There are tunes that I play that I like my way of playing better than anyone else's, and I just play them for myself.

Judging from paintings and such, I think there was a lot more playing at home alone in years past. Right off the bat I think of two mandolin paintings - in one a fellow is sitting at the kitchen table playing a mandolin, leaning back and having a great time, while his wife is doing her sewing. And then there is the Chagall painting of his brother playing mandolin in a rocking chair, alone.

Then in literature - there is the example of Sherlock Holmes, who played the violin at home, when he was deep in thought. I get the impression it was like a more intense pipe smoking for him. And in the Patrick O'Brien (Master and Commander) sea stories, the captain and surgeon play violin and cello together, for the fun of hearing themselves together, and to relax, with absolutely no intention of playing in front of an audience.

But, I say again: it's all good.

[bgjunkie]

I play alot by myself. I have a mando that I carry around the house and drop it off in strategic places to allow myself that five minutes waiting on the wife and kids to do some pickin'. I do find though that I don't push myself to learn as much when I am not playing with others. I was lucky to find several people that are all around the same skill level so that none of use feel like we are being left behind (or being the one leaving the others behind). We all play multiple instruments and play a variety of different styles, so things stay fresh.

Someone mentioned train wrecks, well be got together last night for the first time in a while and it was more like a slaughter house, we killed tune after tune, but had a great time doing it.

[fatt-dad]

Ha, my step-mother's grandfather used to play the mandolin in the bathroom. Any other room drove his wife crazy. Doubtfully any audience, but something truely motivated him. I agree it's all good and also agree that there's HUGE therapy to playing music. No point bickering (not that we are) over which of two good things is better.

f-d

[Michael H Geimer]

99% of my playing is done with another person ... 99% of the time, that person is my wife.

Playing by one's self is important, but I'm with FD on this one. Too much time alone can lead to rote repetitions of the same songs and tunes over and over. To extend the language analogy, a perfectly memorized speech is not very useful if all you want to do is talk about the weather.

- MG

[woodwizard]

I really enjoy playing my mandolin ANYTIME.
Alone or with others. But I have to say ... I enjoy it much more playing with others and I honestly think it will improve your timing/dynamics and a lot of other things that playing alone you might miss out on. I just have more fun pickin' with others. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[mandroid]

I play with a little voice in my head ,
sometimes it has a recalled melody it's offering
other times its a loud critic
heckling while I'm trying to play. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[JeffD]

Of course technology has given us a new alternative. Play home alone while recording for YouTube!

A lot of folks seem to be having a lot of fun doing this - I was negative at first, but I have done a complete 180. I may or may not ever post myself, but I see it as another legit way of enjoying your mandolin.

[duuuude]

I'd always heard that playing with yourself would lead to blindness, so I try to play with others as much as the wife will let me.

(Aw c'mon, somebody had to say it!) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Rick Schmidlin]

I am prepairing for a major leap this summer, but I said that last summer too! Ahhhhh

[fatt-dad]

(Aw c'mon, somebody had to say it!) # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Ha!

[theBlood]

I hosted a jam for years, and have had many gigs where I brought in musicians (regional, small scale stuff). I have seen the look in the eye of those who get their first taste of taking their music out of their living room, many times. I wonder when I hear the comments of those who insist that playing for themselves is enough, if they would still feel that way after tasting the incredible experience of reaching an audience.

Yes, it takes courage to take the step.

[farmerjones]

duuuude - what's that called? Narcisistic? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif i can't spell.
i do much more enjoy playing with others but if i get a project (multi-track recording) in my head, i just can't bring myself to tell somebody else, "that stunk, do it over." So i have to do it all myself, by myself. More like self torture than self love. So what's that called? # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif Masicistic?

[JoeD]

I do not not play with others, mostly in small jams with like-minded acousticians. Well, some times I don't, but only so I can woodshed for the next time that I'm not not playing out.

Hope that clears it up. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[JeffD]

I hosted a jam for years, and have had many gigs where I brought in musicians (regional, small scale stuff). I have seen the look in the eye of those who get their first taste of taking their music out of their living room, many times. I wonder when I hear the comments of those who insist that playing for themselves is enough, if they would still feel that way after tasting the incredible experience of reaching an audience.

Yes, it takes courage to take the step.
I would not want to characterize those who enjoy playing at home alone as lacking courage. Maybe it is true for some and maybe not. Only the individual knows for sure.

Reaching audience is an amazing experience. I know this first hand. If that were all there was too it I might do it more. (I don't care for the shlepping of equipment, I don't want to bother with learning the intricacies of microphones and amplifiers).

Sometimes I just don't want the responsibility of entertaining others.

[entau]

tired of playing alone - but can't find the time or make the long drive ?
tired of playing the same old 2 and 3 chord songs with folks who are either to fast or too slow for you?

purchase a loop station

I'll tell ya - not a lot of room for mistakes on timing - especially on the first loop
not as much "dynamics" as a good jam - but it's an option.

[Dave Schimming]

I enjoy the few times a year that I can jam with others but most of the time it's me playing on my own. I play guitar, mando, bass & banjo and I do enjoy recording and mixing my own music.

[Hammrn]

If you think you would like to play with others but feel a little unsure, check with your local bluegrass association. Usually, there are more jams going on than you might realize, and just visit to see if the people are interested in teaching others. Here in central NY there is one jam that meets every Friday night, and not only encourages, but has an isolated area where folks will teach you at your own level. One fellow actually gave an instrument to any pupil who would stay with it for a year( I think it was a year) A lot of these folks have been playing and singing for a long time together, and sometimes I go to play and sometimes just to listen.

[Lee Callicutt]

Me!

[sam60]

I play with......me......and my wife puts up with it.:D

[TinaBee1]

When I started learning the mandolin I thought the best thing in the world would be able to make music with other people. Having been to jams to watch it looked like such a blast and I got hooked on bluegrass BIGTIME! I NEVER EVER thought I'd be able to do it. #I jam with 2 other ladies on thursday nights, jam with some people that are at my same skill level every Sat night and it's all good! A dream come true. I'm not the best in the room by any means but it's fun! I've got a decent chop and I love to play my "Sweet Daddy" (my '99 F5G Gibson)I go to other jams with friends sometimes on Friday nights, and stand waaayyy outside the circle chopping away but again, it's all good. It's "making a song go" as my teacher says that is such just a blast. Just a dream come true for me....

[Bob DeVellis]

I've done both. I think playing music with others is best when people have the same mindset. My goals are primarily relaxation and communication. There was a period during which I regularly got together with a group of folks to talk, have dinner, and play music. That was really great fun. We knew each other well, were comfortable making mistakes in front of each other, and supportive of each other when we did. The two fiddlers would occasionally get on each other's nerves, but things usually got smoothed over by the end of the evening. Those folks have now headed off in different directions, geographically and otherwise.

I've played in Irish traditional sessions and it's been a mixed experience at best. I think I prefer them as a listener than as a player. Mandolin isn't the best session instrument, especially with fiddles, pipes, accordions, and other high-volume instruments in the mix. I find it hard to hear myself. Session playing, for me at least, requires stripping down tunes to their essentials in order to keep pace and, of late, I prefer exploring the nuances and possibilities of tunes rather than just cranking out speed. Also, it's just plain hard for me to play really fast in my early 60s. Also, there's often a lot of one-upsmanship going on at sessions that I find unappealing. I know this isn't universally true but it's pretty common in my experience. I'm typically not the one being one-upped because I usually assume an inconspicuous stance in an unfamiliar session and often, I'm just a listener. But I can't help but notice how the next fiddler wants to play just a tad faster and fancier than the previous one (why are so many fiddlers competitive?). Often this is good-natured jousting among friends but not always. Sometimes, just under that patina of cordiality, one can detect a layer of controlled resentment. And, to an outsider, it's not particularly attractive or welcoming. There are also fine, generous, affable folks at sessions but typically, not everyone fits that description. This is to be expected in any group of people but at my age, I'm pretty selective about whom I choose to hang with (he said in curmudgeonly fashion). I admire and even envy people who can slide into a session and feel right at home but, alas, that hasn't been my experience.

Life also gets complicated and, at the end of the day, it's easier to play by myself than to muster the energy to drag my butt out somewhere and go through the process of getting to know a bunch of strangers and feeling like the new kid in school. Being able to play on a schedule more of my choosing (like on weekends when the sun is still shining) has its benefits. I'd welcome the opportunity to find a handful of like-minded souls for some small, relaxed, house sessions but I'm pretty content playing alone if that fails to happen.

[jim_n_virginia]

I have come to the conclusion that for me there are three reasons I play music.

I play home alone every day at least an hour. I play for pratice but many times I will play for therapy. It is a form of self therapy. And I have played when I was sad... where do you think the blues came from. Sometimes playing a scale or a musical phrase is almost like meditating to me.

Then there is the social aspect of meeting people and friends at jams. When I travel to a new jam I am in search of learning new tunes and making new friends. When you know a lot of tradition songs and fiddle tunes you can still play with people you have never played with before. I can improvise fairly well so I can play along even with songs I have never heard.

And my weekly jam that I have been going to for 5 or more years is just a gathering of good friends. We play the same songs every week but they are still fun because you learn to make variations on the tunes you keep playing over and over.

And then there is performing. Not everyone who likes to play an instrument likes to get up on stage in front of a crowd and perform. Many people are scared stiff even of the thought of it. I myself am a bit of a ham and I love performing for others.

It is one of the reasons I play I suppose. Also I like to make a little money back on what I spend to play music. Out of everything I love playing in the little trio I play in now. It is the ultimate enjoyment. We all get along and it is always so exciting if we get a gig where we really get to strut our stuff to say the least.

I think there is nothing wrong with playing music by yourself and is probably a great feeling of accomplishment and very relaxing and brings musch enjoyment.

But for me it just seems like it's like a writer who writes a novel and no one ever gets to read it, or an artist who paints a picture and then puts it in the closet when they are done and no one ever see's it.

Thats why when you find a picking buddy it is a special thing. I can't even imagine not playing out at a jam or open mic night or a gig or meeting people round a campfire at a bluegrass festival.

I am very fortunate to have jams close by and many friends who play. There are some things musically that you CANNOT learn out of a book, DVD or a teacher only by playing with others. At our jam it is very easy to spot out people who don't play with others usually. Usually they have developed their own sort of timing.

I hope all of you who don't wish to perform find a good picking buddy around the corner in your neighborhood!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif