Re: Songs and Arrangements and the process...
I have found that songs that I like stay with me, and that I am able to use them to express new forms, techniques or as a platform to try new things within a familiar context. It becomes a sort of personal "Standard". I have to choose carefully what I am learning next as I expect to play it for years to come!
My experience with expediting the process to learn a song, just the basics, is to make note of the TIME you spend learning a song. We do this in Project Management and distance running. Set a start date and frequently update your progress. You'll find weeks of work can be compressed into hours of work if you know what you're looking to achieve.
I have attached a few images. Notes really, just creating a marker for my progress to build on. The note on the gavotte has a shout out to Greg lol - he was pressing to try harder. Hugs GH.
It's good to be open to new forms of learning. The best is an in person lesson. That rocks. Lessons, stick gatherings / circles - all good! Watching videos are good - but then it's time to play AND get feedback. That's very valuable if you are playing out.
Having a partner is great, but try not to be too dependent on them for progress.
I have posted a bit on the progress. It's ongoing and monitoring (and celebrating) your success is a great way to build confidence and muscle memory
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=7883&start=20&hilit=performance+pyramidJust a suggestion though! Stickists are like snowflakes, so whatever works for you may not work for others, so long as we have an open mind! Cheers!