Yes to Fortunato (that's why I won't take lessons from them, especially the person that teaches clawhammer banjo).

Yes to Rick. It may have something to do with the fact that most of us are into it for the love of it. Money is good but it is not the motivating factor. The music business, on the other hand, is a business with all of the trappings (managers with low ethics, people trying to scam both the public and musicians, musicians with attitude, etc. etc.)

I have never met a folkie without a certain passion in their music. I am constantly amazed when I meet music teachers and other "professionals" that don't have that passion. It's just 9 to 5 for them. My question is where did it go?

JAB