It took me a couple of years to do FMQ fairly well without a regulator. I think it just takes practice. I can't "walk and chew gum at the same time" as DH says, so I'm sure you're coordinated enough. I practiced on plain pieces of scrap fabric sandwiched with batting. Agree about the music so you're not just hearing the machine. I have friends who use the regulators, too, and they do like them. I just made up my mind that I could do it on my own. Stubborn that way.