What a fascinating thread this is. I never thought to look at my own motivations for playing in this way before!

For many years I played on my own (melodeon), mostly because I didn't know any other musicians, and my repertoire was very limited and grew stale.

Then I met a real nice bunch of people (at the Beech in Chorlton), started to play with them both in private and in public, and my repertoire has grown enormously as has my enjoyment of the music. I was invited to join a Morris side by JJ, who posted above, and this further increased my knowledge. I can honestly say that I have been given a new lease on life simply through going out and playing with and for other people.

I also occasionaly go down to Salford Quays on a sunny Sunday afternoon and find a quiet bench ovelooking the water and play tunes to myself and to passers by. I hope this doesn't come across as 'showing off' but I really do enjoy this aspect of playing out, and other people seem to enjoy it also. I find it helps to concentrate the mind if one is playing to an audience, no matter how small or transitory that audience may be. It also helps to build confidence and reduce nerves which is no bad thing.

Obviously this is only my take on the issue and as many posters have said it should be a matter of personal choice, but I do think there is much to be gained from 'playing out' as opposed to playing purely for yourself.

Ged