I've been avoiding this thread ever since it began because to use the word "elite" in a folk music atmosphere is an oxymoron. Even though I've played guitar for over 30 years, I don't play well with others because I've always been a single act. Also, my major strength is my voice and I learned guitar to accompany myself. I've never been comfortable even considering going to a jam session because I've always been afraid of someone raising eyebrows over my playing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a terrible guitarist. Mainly, I don't know how to play in a group. I think that instrumental musicians do have a tendency to manifest an elitist attitude because I've met quite a few over the years. I find this to be almost non-existent in vocal musicians. Personally speaking, if someone's singing is not on a par with mine, I would never try to "crowd them out" or call for an "elite" session. I encourage everyone to sing because the more then sing, the better they will become. And, as most of us know, sometimes it can be "trying." It takes courage to sing (or play an instrument) in front of your peers and this courage should be recognized by encouragement and patience not by dismissal. That being said, I'm going to a bluegrass session tonight and it's mustering up all the courage I got, folks! I just hope they do some singing too! Oh, well ... it's mostly men so all won't be lost. (She says with a laugh and a twinkle in her eye ...) mc aka moonchild