do you think that's an 'innate' thing or can it be learned?
Chas, my experience in education has taught me that there are "lightbulb" moments in all areas of learning. Remember the drummer in "Mr Holland's Opus" who finally learned to FEEL the beat? People "get it" at different times. (or never) I think everyone can get to a point that's on a higher level, with proper training, and practice, but I agree with you ... the innate "feel" is hard, if not impossible to teach. Some untrained musicians just have it, and some well trained musicians will never have it. I think an audience reacts to the players energy, and as an audience member (in this case) I can feel her happy place when she plays, and I'm grateful for it. It doesn't hut that she's adorable, but the happy factor would show through even if she were not.
I've been blessed to have several dozen "lightbulb" moments with students over the years, and some have brought me to tears. I taught a 7th grader to play a guitar, who had never held one, and now he out plays me. He's a natural, and his hands are built to be wrapped around the neck of a guitar. He's one of my favorite graduates, and favorite humans, too.
Great question. Anyone else care to weigh in? Feel vs. technique ... does written music even HAVE any feel?
and ...... GO!