Re: I registered for a group class and am getting nervous
I admire the steps you're subjecting yourself to in order to learn. I've felt nervous in group lessons too. The stage between beginner and intermediate is a difficult one. You either take a class where you learn "Twinkle, Twinkle" or one where you'll have difficulty. I'd say, at your stage, you're better to go with the intermediate class. If you can't keep up, you'll learn something anyway, and become aware of what you need to work on. It's unlikely that anyone will give you a hard time about your playing, but there are jerks in the world. Don't worry about your ethnicity; this is a music class, not the IRA. I have a Scottish first name and English last name, and I'm about 3/4 Scottish in ancestry. At musical events -- whether Irish, Cape Breton (where I have roots but wasn't raised), French-Canadian, eastern European or whatever -- no one has ever questioned my ancestry. In my experience if you love the music and are respectful of others, they will be open to you and support your efforts. These folks are musicians, and will appreciate your love of their music. You don't sound like the type who's going to present yourself as an expert, so don't worry, go and have fun. Meanwhile, you could listen to Irish music on your long drives, so that you become more familiar with what you want to play. By the way, Benjamin Engel, the instructor's name is not Irish, so he won't be concerned about your English heritage.
Robert Johnson's mother, describing blues musicians:
"I never did have no trouble with him until he got big enough to be round with bigger boys and off from home. Then he used to follow all these harp blowers, mandoleen (sic) and guitar players."
Lomax, Alan, The Land where The Blues Began, NY: Pantheon, 1993, p.14.
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