Gary, I agree that one should have both. By itself, solid formal music education seems to be an impediment to mastering traditional and popular styles. Not that formal training can't be overcome with very happy results, but often that seems not to happen. It's common to find talented classically-trained violinists who seem unable to master the nuances of fiddle playing or to learn music entirely by ear. Of course it's even more common to find self-taught players who have not learned to play in tune or produce a pleasing tone.

There are examples of musical masters who were entirely self-taught---Earl Scruggs comes to mind and some of the Kentucky thumbpickers (Ike Everley, Merle Travis)---but I think many of the well-loved but self-taught performers played with more heart than technique. Having been down the self-taught road myself, I don't recommend it to beginning musicians. I think people should avail themselves of some formal training andlearn to ignore it as needed to get the musical result they're after.

      - Mark