Smokey: "Trying to get back to the subject of musical education, my observation has been that the real learning doesn't start until you're actually in front of an audience and contracted to entertain them...".

Well, I was thinking, that you don't really 'become' a musician, as much as you are 'born' a musician, and then you learn, and practice, practice, practice, what you learn.....before 'practicing' in front of a paying audience!....but,....suit yourself!

GfS

P.S. Gettin' there(to 400, josepp)