{"items": [{"author": "Edward", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=402603089768265", "anchor": "fb-402603089768265", "service": "fb", "text": "Jeff, I recommend you (and anyone else interested in this post) read this crazy, infuriating, and highly worthwhile book: The Music Lesson by Victor Wooten. http://www.themusiclesson.com/", "timestamp": "1333045020"}, {"author": "Victor", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=402637206431520", "anchor": "fb-402637206431520", "service": "fb", "text": "Most people will not get far without a teacher.  It's sad that many equate teachers with boring unpleasant practicing.  The best teachers start out with music and encourage \"playing around with the instrument\", IMHO", "timestamp": "1333048330"}, {"author": "Sally", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=402671659761408", "anchor": "fb-402671659761408", "service": "fb", "text": "Thank you SO much, Jeff!!", "timestamp": "1333051738"}, {"author": "Cecile", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=402712973090610", "anchor": "fb-402712973090610", "service": "fb", "text": "While this is true, sometimes having a teacher can get you past the most trying stage of I-can't-make-this-thing-do-anything-useful more quickly - after all their job is to let you in on the secret of what tends to work. I think it all depends on how much time you're willing to waste trying the wrong things by yourself v. how much extra enjoyment you get out of figuring it out for yourself rather than being told.", "timestamp": "1333055892"}, {"author": "Sally", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=402787619749812", "anchor": "fb-402787619749812", "service": "fb", "text": "Thanks, Cecile, for your thoughtful comments. I think having a teacher and learning on your own are options which fit either alone or in combination, depending on numerous factors in our individuals lives. I think teachers play (no pun) a vital role. I so appreciate Jeff's post on both sides. He's not only encouraging us to teach ourselves, but he's also teaching us a way in which to do so. I was a devoted classical piano student grade school through college years - and threw in some clarinet for a few year...but, life-stuff interrupted that and, here,some decades later, I'd love to get back into the music. I have not the time or money for lessons but, the foundational core (from wonderful teachers) and desire to play music gnaw away at me. Music used to be my joy and driving force. I'm frustrated, lacking in confidence, shy, feeling too old, blah, blah so having the encouragement to just start where I am and get some great instruction on how to start again are deeply appreciated. Sorry for the long-winded soapbox.", "timestamp": "1333065169"}, {"author": "Sally", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=402789056416335", "anchor": "fb-402789056416335", "service": "fb", "text": "Sorry for the grammar faux pas and typos....typing in a hurry...", "timestamp": "1333065365"}, {"author": "Mac", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=402791149749459", "anchor": "fb-402791149749459", "service": "fb", "text": "@ Sally:  Lots of jamming oppertunities 'round town.  So you life is -still- interferring.  Gotta fix that some day.  :)", "timestamp": "1333065684"}, {"author": "Mac", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=402912956403945", "anchor": "fb-402912956403945", "service": "fb", "text": "Actually this \"pick it up on your own\" is a decent recipe for a lot of life skills/activities.", "timestamp": "1333080560"}, {"author": "Rick", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=403015479727026", "anchor": "fb-403015479727026", "service": "fb", "text": "@Walter: Yes, and also, when you're stuck on something and getting frustrated with it, a little advice from someone who knows more about it can keep you from giving up and save many hours of frustration!", "timestamp": "1333100314"}, {"author": "Mac", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=403114693050438", "anchor": "fb-403114693050438", "service": "fb", "text": "@ Richard:  Absolutely!  Pointers can be different from lessons, and it is incumbent upon the superb teacher to only give pointers.  It's the difference between facilitating and burdening.   Concomitantly, it's the difference between an amateur (literal) and a pupil.", "timestamp": "1333114589"}, {"author": "Dave", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/402592936435947?comment_id=2277209175640971", "anchor": "fb-2277209175640971", "service": "fb", "text": "Brilliant Jeff, so true. Thanks", "timestamp": "1538255011"}]}