Jon, your post leads me to wonder about "Why Jonnie DOES Sing" - or play. We have a couple of kids who are regulars at our session. As far as I know, someone had to introduce them to the music, but their pursuit of it is their own accomplishment. I think these kids, and others I've known, have to be very self-confident to put up with peer disapproval. I have enormous respect for them, because when I was 13 or 14 years old, I doubt I would have had the strength to take the road less travelled. They all seem to have parents who, although they may not understand the child's love of the music, support and encourage it. And all the kid folkies I've met get along well with us older farts.