LindaBer, I too had that problem as far as strumming and singing along. It just takes practice. As far as the pick goes, when you hold it, try to angle the pic at about a 45 degree angle toward the strings rather than at 90 degrees. This should keep you from digging in when you play downstrokes or upstrokes. I have the same problem with the strumming patterns, so you are not alone. I learned to use down down up up down up from Caren Armstrong and its a great pattern, but once you get it, it is hard to try and switch to a different pattern. Just takes practice. Hope this helps!!