First of all, welcome GUEST to our music and our community. All of the above post are absolutely correct. In general there is no one path, nor is there an end. It is a journey through times past and places and cultures long forgotten by comon knowledge. But it is fun. I would like to recommend to you any and/or all of "The Golden Ring: A Gathering of Friends for Making Music" tapes/CDs available from Folk Legacy (Go to folklegacy.com). There is, "The Golden Ring", "The New Golden Ring-Five Days Singing Vol I & Vol II", "For All The Good People-Golden Ring Reunion", and "Twas on a Night Like This-A Christmas Legacy". One of my mostest favoritest traditional musicians said, "These albums changed my life".

In addition, you may want to check out anything done by Bok, Muir, and Trickett, also available from Folk Legacy. A very handy and informative book of words and background is included with all or most tapes/CDs.
Good luck and Happy chords