The Harmony of Amateur Hour

For adults, finding time to learn a musical instrument is tough enough. Finding a forgiving partner can be terrifying. Today on Soundcheck: a reporter and a bestselling detective novelist reveal how they joined "piano parties" and something called The Really Terrible Orchestra. And later: we bite into "Golden Delicious," the latest solo album from former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty. He performs live in our studio.

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.