Bonnie ... Your last post just diminished the integrity of this thread. I, nor anyone else who has a degree/degrees, has said that knowledge is received only through formal education. The most important aspect of formal education or training is that it teaches one discipline. It also affords one a more well-rounded view of the world (or, at least it should). Along with any formal education/training, must go experience ...

An example would be in re formal vocal training ... I was taught to breathe through my diaphragm ... thus supporting my voice and not causing strain. Because of that, I've been able to sing for hours on end and never have my voice crack or go scratchy. I won't ever have to deal with polyps on my vocal cords. In addition ... the whole point of the classical training, in my case, was to prepare me for Julliard and the opera. I'm glad for the training and I'm also glad I decided against Julliard and the opera ... blues and folk music have been much more fun and satisfying ...

But ... no amount of formal music training/education taught me how to take my talent to the professional level ... I did learned the ropes of being a professional musician in the trenches ... by doing it night after night. Nothing prepared me for good/bad audiences; lecherous club owners/managers; what works/what doesn't; groupies, etc. Those things I learned through experience.

Perhaps balance is the key. But, when all is said and done, whatever makes it work for you ...

As I said earlier on ... a few of the best musicians I've ever heard have no formal training. Such a talent ...

I'm enjoying this thread and the philosophical opinion ... keep it coming.

moonchild