When we consider this outline of what a player really has to do, we can readily see that it is not so easy a matter to play, even simple music, correctly.

The writer has among his acquaintances a violinist, a man about thirty years of age, a fine player on his instrument, who had held a position in a first class orchestra for some time, who decided that he would learn piano playing. After a trial of over a year he came to conclusion that he could not learn, because he could not conquer difficulty of reading two different staffs at same time. Had he begun study in early life he, no doubt, would have compassed his desire like many another has done. This illustration emphasizes contention that every musician, be he violinist, vocalist, or what not, should begin his musical studies with a certain amount of piano work. While we may not admire violinist's lack of perseverance, it nevertheless shows that reading from two staffs, at same time, is a difficulty.

It is only through constant and plentiful practice that we finally can conquer all these difficulties. Were it not that through doing these various acts, one at a time, over and over again, until they become fixed habits, we would never succeed in playing at all, but could only stumble through, making a most unpleasant and unintelligible jumble of music.

Even as it is, it takes practically all of our senses ever on alert - sight, touch, hearing, feeling, and we might almost say taste - to play piano acceptably. When we realize all these difficulties it will help teachers and parents to be a little more patient with those who are trying to master difficult but at same time most delightful art of piano playing.

What is your realistic budget? Let’s face it; money is a deciding factor for all of us. You need to be honest about what you’re prepared to spend, and also how you want to spend it. If you have $1,000 to blow on a trip, do you want a week at Lodge A, or three days at Lodge B which might offer more upscale accommodations or a better shot at a trophy fish?

Once you have decided exactly what kinds of fish you want to catch and how you want to catch them, you need to discuss accommodations.

In order to get kind of fishing your group wants, are you willing to rough it in a tent camp where you have to prepare your own food, or is a certain amount of creature comfort also a priority?

How important is a hot shower at end of day, or having someone else deal with cooking and cleaning up? Can you live without a flush toilet? Would you rather bring your own boat?

Again, it’s important to be honest and realistic right up front.

Once you’ve established clear priorities for fishing and accommodations and set a rough budget, it’s time to start looking at what different lodges have to offer.

The species of fish you want to catch, amount of time you want to be away and amount of cash you have to spend should help focus your search to a general geographic area, while priorities your group collectively identified should allow you to narrow your search within that geographic area fairly quickly. It's everyone's fishing trip ... so plan it well.

Now, it’s a matter of contacting fishing lodge operators within that region, and seeing what they have to offer.

Call The Government State or provincial tourism departments are best way to find fishing lodges within specific areas. If you’ve decided your group wants to go to Alaska to fish for salmon and steelhead, then start with a call to Alaska department of tourism. They can send you all sorts of information on outfitters, general fishing information, plus stuff on license requirements, fishing regulations and such.

Selecting right fishing trip destination is probably single most important aspect of planning your fishing trip. Well, choosing right fishing buddies is pretty important, also.