Anne Nash   31 May 2001 10:16:03 +0100
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I think I must have the dubious distinction of being both the oldest 
member (56) and the youngest lutenist (3 months) on this list. Although
I studied piano, flute (and ballet) years ago, most of my academic 
background is in English literature (BA) and the art and history of the
book and the history of publishing (MLS, PhD). I work now as a book 
editor and translator (primarily theology), after beginning my 
professional career as curator of rare books & special collections at 
the San Francisco Public Library and then spending 14 years exploring 
the spiritual dimension of life as a contemplative nun (Discalced 
Carmelite). (Several of those years I had the great good fortune to live
in Finland, where I do wish I'd had the opportunity to meet Mr. Wikla. 
Hauska tavata!) I am now married and living on the central coast of 
California, about midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

I fell in love with the sound of the lute over 30 years ago, after 
hearing recordings by Julian Bream and Stanley Buetens, but it's only 
now that circumstances have allowed me to realize the dream of owning 
one. I have a beautiful 8-course Renaissance lute (Hans Frei) made by 
Lawrence K. Brown, and, with infinite joy, am slowly learning something
about how to play it. I discovered your list several weeks ago, but I 
have hesitated to introduce myself for want of any informed opinion or 
useful piece of information to share. I do have, of course, an unending
supply of questions. If any of you could spare the time to share your =
opinions/recommendations on these very elementary questions, I would be
extremely grateful:

I'm using Stanley Buetens' "Method for the Renaissance Lute" as a basic
guide, although I understand that it's preferable to use "thumb-under" 
rather than the right-hand position shown there. Are there other books 
available that would be useful as well? What are their relative merits?
Since I've never played any plucked string instrument, the left-hand 
positions are also entirely new to me. Are there any instruction books 
for (may I mention the word?) guitar, for instance, that would be 
helpful in that regard?

Could anyone recommend some nice collections of Renaissance lute music 
that a beginner could master?

Are there any videos available that show someone playing the Renaissance
lute with good technique? (Not necessarily something professionally 
made-I'd settle for a home video!)

Thanks you all for the inspiration and daily encouragement!

Anne Nash