Pauline what you are not saying speaks volumes.

These are not very good musicians. Believe you me, all musicians (classical in particular) love improvising and messing about with melodies and rythms.

A lot of the attitude probably comes from the fact that if they spend their time trying to cover bases and play crotchets, with no great success - they probably have turned to folk music as a bit of light relief. To their surprise - they find themselves in a very unforgiving element.

In folk clubs in England, there is a long tradition of being nice to crap players and performers - paricularly performers - we all had to start somewhere.. However folk music isn't like classical music - you don't take an exam - get six out of ten and they give you a certificate. You can either do it or you can't. And you can feel yourself playing crap, and before long the gloves come off and SOMEONE tells you - you're crap mate!

Doubtless your classically trained friends feel insecure. try making them a cocoa, telling them they're wonderful, great effort - but you've been taking notes........

all the best

al