[Ak_Man4Jesus]

I cant lissen to the clips.......Stupid dial up!

[fideist]

Originally Posted by gtrdave

Not to make light of anything that he's hindered by, but I'd be careful with calling him 'learning disabled'. While there may be some things that he struggles with (and you all would know best what those things are), it sure seems like he's got a natural gift for playing the guitar and for learning some not-so-easy-to-play songs.

I understand what you are saying, and thanks.

I just want to clarify that "learning disabled" is both a scientific and legal term. As a result of his birth defects, he has problems processing lessons abstractly, instead he requires lessons be demonstrated in order to be comprehended. He required a proctor in taking tests; Even though he can read and write, test questions had to be read aloud to him and sometimes explained. This put him in Special Education classes all his school career. He is not mentally retarded, just disabled in the way he can learn.

But he is still smart and a GREAT person. This is a kid who, on his own, felt the call to visit the forgotten elderly at a nursing home every week. He is so outgoing, so friendly, and so beloved, if he died tomorrow there would be over a thousand people at his funeral. He has a heart for God, and everyone who meets him can see it in him.

He is just awesome, and we are so proud.

[everyman]

You should be proud of him. His playing shows that he has a good handle on some very difficult techniques. For one thing, his harmonics are nice and clean. But more important, as Dave said, he plays with passion and musicality.

I have some reservations about calling him a “Christian” musician. I’m not how much of a place there is for complex acoustic guitar compositions in today’s Christian music world. If he were to come to my church, folks would be very impressed but then they may not know how to use his gifts other than try and place him on the worship team. You can only do “special music” so much.

At the very least, you should continue to encourage him to grow as a musician and see what happens. I think you’re due for some exciting times.

[jengoesup]

'Afterthought' is wonderful. I would buy that.

[martinedwards]

Hes a very good player and the likes of Andy McKee became world famous through playing vids on Youtube.

I'd agree with the leave off the "learning disabled" labeling.

Jackie Stewart is severely dyslexic. he was a world champion racing driver and then set up and ran his own F1 racing team. he can't recite the alphabet.

the days of parading the "idiot savant" (sorry but that's the term) at county fairs, who could do great tricks but could barely hold a conversation are thankfully long gone.

Ralph has a great talent in his own right, regardless of his disability, but the question, as asked above, is are you both willing to put in the traveling, the long hours, the low pay and the likely disappointment of not making it?

we've all seen amazing talents on American Idol & X factor etc who disappear without trace, and who hopefully had the emotional maturity to say "ah well, back to waiting tables, fixing cars or being a lawyer, at least I have a hobby" does Ralph have the maturity to accept the failure?