The conductor began with warm ups, like scales and breathing exercises. I sat at the back of the alto section, to minimize the effect my imperfect pitch might have on others. But I purposely placed myself next to a strong singer and leaned in her direction whenever I felt wobbly which was approximately half the time. 

Before deciding, I listed the pros and cons of this commitment, such as a night away from kids every week and the follow through involved in attending both my regular informal service and the traditional one in which the choir performs. But the fact that I could learn from an incredibly talented and encouraging conductor was not lost on me. Passing this opportunity up was like saying no thanks to free art lessons from Monet. 

Being in a room full of people who have made a promise to learn the music and belt out the chords for two hours a week is contagious. Even though the conductor decided to include lyrics in Russian, Hebrew, Latin and some slavic tongue I will never understand I am making progress. 

I consider it a safe bet that a year of musical education will have a lasting impact on my singing skills. 

Marriage education is another way to spend two hours a week. When John and I lead a group we begin with communication exercises like appreciations and brag time. It gets people feeling a bit more chummy. Sometimes we talk about the Five Love Languages, and how to know what makes your partner feel most loved. 

It does involve some sacrifice, like a night away from your kids, and schlepping out on a cold and dreary night when home looks pretty comfy. But a season or even a year of plunking yourself in the midst of other people who also want to grow in their relationships is pretty likely to result in progress.