Great article! The lack of music in the schools and the lack of places to play are two of the most important factors IMHO. Music in schools can expose kids to various genres of music. Playing out is the perfect way to hone your skills.

David, I agree with everything except this statement "If you have a radio in the house smash it to pieces with a sledgehammer. Now." I say take that radio and find some good music on it. We live near a smaller city and I can get a PBS classical station, a PBS jazz station, a jazz/blues station as well as a number of excellent college stations. The first three are my favorites. YMMV.


The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?" I said, "Diddly."


64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware