Of late I have been to several Folk Clubs outside my more usual regular ones (all in England). In one I came across three children (one female, two boys), the boys of whom are having terrible difficulties at school but who both play violin extremely well. One of them also improvised a mandolin to most tunes that were played that night. Pure talent for sure and a sign that these children need to have their 'differing needs' met within a school system that should actually nurture what are very obvious talents. I left there that night feeling elated that such young people can get so much out of the music they love but also saddened that the system may squash them and smother their obvious chance to do something great with thier talents. If their parents have anything to do with it they will succeed. But I think they should be given help to achieve that too. All children are special, but these children's needs are also special too and need support.

Another club I went to had several young men and women, mostly guitar playere, who were really talented when they sang the songs they had written themselves and played their instruments. This is a 'non-trad' type folk club, where all sorts of music is welcomed by everyone from anyone. Some of the songs I would have said were not really folkish at all, but they were good. They were 'home grown' songs and their writers certainly enthusiastic about what they were doing. I sat in some awe listening to it all and thinking "maybe the future of folk is assured more than we know".

There is a 15 year old girl in these parts that plays exquisite guitar and sings beautiful, mainly Irish, traditional songs. She plays flute and violin too. Her parenrs are always there with her and the pride on their faces is tangible.

So what am I saying? Well. What I am trying to say is that I believe there is great talent out there in youngsters. Some is being nurtured but much is being missed. The 'system' now does not seem to encourage the enthusiasm young ages to get to know and love music of all types. Music lessons are expensive but I really do thing that schools should have music on the agenda more than they have. It should be as equally important as exercise and sport. I am not saying this so we can breed 'folkies'. Children involved in ANY music has to be a good thing for their own futures. I think folk would certainly get their fair share of takers. Groups like FOLKUS do a lot too to encourage and nurture talent in youngsters.

For Folk to survive - and I still have no definition for what Folk is exactly - I can only suggest that we all need to be more open minded in our tastes and what we allow in our clubs. If we let the children come along and sing in front of us - a live audience - even a pop song, we will benefit and they certainly will. They will be being exposed to 'folkies' and I am sure that will wash over them and increase their enthusiam for the genre as they get imbibed with our offerings.

Lots of people already have this attitude, I know, but I have also heard some anti-children type comments too from some 'folkies'. We need to make them feel valued and welcomed. I think the rest will take care of itself. Let's just give the children a srage to stand on and allow them to be involved. It's a start.

What do you think? Wide of the mark or are others of my mind?

Once upon a time we were all young...

Sitting in a music lesson, waiting maybe 15 minutes for that part in the music that was mine (a single tap on the triangle), and loving every minute of being in the class 'orchestra'. Remeber such things? I do :-)

Lets give the youngsters more stages to stand proud upon :-)

mp