First time I have stumbled across this thread. I first picked up my fiddle 2 years ago this month, but still consider myself very much a beginner, as my practicing is very sporadic because of chronic shoulder problems. I may go weeks without playing. I used to find this very discouraging and I would really get down about it until I realized that was like looking at the glass as half empty. Now, when I can practice, I am grateful because the glass is half full, and I enjoy the times I can practice. I reckon I’ll most likely always be a “beginner”, but each time I pick up my fiddle, I learn some and have fun. Isn’t that what it is all about?