Arrogance is not the sole preserve of the young neither is ability the sole preserve of their elders.

Why do performers need to pay their dues in the same way as people before them? Times move on, there aren't the Clubs there used to be which offered a (hard) living, if someone will book them for an Arts Centre good luck to both parties. Having a 40 year career as a professional folk musician may no longer be viable (if it ever was for all but a few), Kate Rusby may well be the career model for one type of new performer. Pete Coe, with his mix of work and interests may be another.

It will be interesting to see down the road the mix that Northumbria turns out. My own guess is that there will be a very few musicians who have a lengthy career, a few who do it for a few years and end up taking paid employment and some who do nothing, rather like music courses (of all genres) have been doing for years.

All the best

Steve