Interesting word "intent."

The finest example of crossover picking, fingerpicking and flatpicking, is Norman Blake. If you have an opportunity to see him live, do. Barring that, if you can acquire any of his videos, do. Of all the famous flatpickers, Norman probably does it the best. The videos are out there, for you to see, if you're interested.

There are also different "camps" that are held in the summer, i.e., flatpicking, dulcimer, mandolin, fiddle, where one can learn a lot. Even if you don't consider yourself a virtuoso, you will learn. You would also have the opportunity to see inperson how it's done and to jam with the best.

One of the best flatpicking camps is run by Steve Kaufman. Held at Marysville College, in Marysville, TN, the last week of June. It's not cheap ... $650, for eight days of classes and jams and concerts, plus room and board. And it's not just flatpickers who attend. There are fingerpickers, singer/songwriters, and others. The instructors this year, to name a few, will be John Carlini, Steve Kaufman, and Marci Marxer (Fink & Marxer).

Rick is a phenomenal musician and if it has strings on it, her can play it. I couldn't wipe Rick's shoes with my guitar playing, but I want to be better. So, I'm going to Kamp Kaufman to start on that road. When I get settled in North Carolina, in the spring, at Rick's suggestion, I'm going to scout around and find a geetar player, whom I like and whom I think is good, and offer to pay for his time as a "teacher."

Ah, life is gettin' good ...

If you're interested, PM me and I will give you further information.