I think that much discussion of self-teaching as opposed to
instruction is destined to be fruitless. The efficacy of approach is
dependent on the particular instrument, the skill and talent of the
learner and the skill and availability of an appropriate tutor. There
isn't a single approach which serves the needs of all.
I note in this regard that Gaelic society, both Scottish and Irish,
became the most traditional society in Europe because it was largely
untouched by the Black Death and thus maintained its master-apprentice
structure. The rest of Europe underwent significant advances in
methods and techniques because of the destruction of their fixed and
often hereditary professions. In consequence, the rest of Europe
became innovative and began to do things in new ways as people were
forced to improvise and to learn from experience rather than carrying
on traditional methods. This lead to the cultural revival of the High
Middle Ages and ultimately lead to the Renaissance. This is not to
criticize instruction in a particularly style but is merely to
indicate that self-instruction can lead in new and unexpected
directions.
Certainly everyone can learn new things from a good teacher, but not
all would necessarily profit by long term instuction. I am someone
who probably would since I am not a proficient musician. I would be a
person who would have to study long and hard to achieve the level of
"tolerable". Others, being more talented, could probably get by quite
well with the occasional "how'd ja do that?"
Ed Margerum
emargerum@mecn.mass.edu