re hymns it is important to note that although the oral tradition is in sad disrepair (because people hire pros and play recordings of pros rather than do it themselves) There is a way back and it is via the printed page. I discovered that when I visited a few german american groups where only the old timers knew the lyrics to the popular drinking songs. At big events new people would gather enjoyed the food and bier and wished they could join in. So they werent very interested in coming back. I edited and published a songbook and when provided with this things turned around. A simple song sheet- you can get four or so sets of lyrics and a few adverts on a standard piece of paper. Once you hand it out people can sing along and better still they can take it home and learn it whereas without it they just went home with a good feeling- why not do both....

Teaching songs is far more important than simply teaching a demand for songs.

I did not say employ madison avenue I just said use their methods- yes people can be convinced to learn and take up music. A fact. But you have to work at it. And no it does not have to cost money. Just make it a teachable moment and provide maximum access.

You concertina folks are hard to educate. The problem with high prices is lack of supply. That is well made supply. The reason for that is that supply has not expanded. It is hard to train makers but if you dont train them you will never keep up with the demand and keep them affordable. Capitalism works against increasing demand as the makers are having a good time enjoying high prices and why should they teach someone- so that the supply could increase and the price fall. Same with pro musicians. Why would they teach everyone to sing and play- the result would be that there would be less demand for professional services. More people would be doing it themselves. I am a santa- in demand. however a big problem is that someone finds a fat uncle out there and gets them a suit- more supply cheaper- and why should they get a pro santa when they have the free fat uncle.

More artisans more concertinas and the price falls

You teach them to do quality work of course....

A good number of prominent museums have artcars- czech out American Visionar Art Museum in Baltimore, Houston Artcar Museum, I think even the met has one and the Smithsonian several.

Set up an artcar thread and I will join in....

Conrad