But I must be taught.

The question is whether you will teach me." Falbe hesitated.
"I can't tell you," he said, "till I have heard you play.

It's like this: I can't teach you to play unless you know how, and I can't tell if you know how until I have heard you.

If you have got that particular sort of temperament that can put itself into the notes out of the ends of your fingers, I can teach you, and I will.

But if you haven't, I shall feel bound to advise you to try the Jew's harp, and see if you can get it out of your teeth.