About 7 years of classical violin, starting at age 8. Oh yes, and 1 year of piano before that. A year of music theory in college, and 7 years of voice (classical, opera, etc.) in college and university. I've been playing guitar for over 40 years, but never a lesson on that. And since I've taken up fiddle about 6 years ago, probably about a dozen private lessons with various teachers in Seattle. The lessons and theory, though mostly classical, have been a tremendous foundation for what I do now, which is trad folk music. On guitar, I could have benefited from lessons, since I am not that good - self-taught has its limitations. See the recent thread on CLASSICAL TRAINING. I've done many group workshops, which have been good, but I think individual private lessons are the best.

Cheers, S. in Seattle