The singer/musician distinction isn't ideal, but the point, I suppose, is to distinguish between those who are able to play musical instruments in a number of different situations and those who have just learned a few guitar chords in order to accompany their own singing (the people who show up here wanting to be given "the chords" for a song; a musician would be able to work that sort of thing out for themself). Almost anyone can sing if they try (being able to speak provides a useful head-start), but mastering an instrument requires greater effort and application as a rule.

One reason why I rarely go to folk clubs these days is my impression that they are all too often full of self-indulgent solo performers. Give me a session any day; any competent musician can join in with most of the tunes, and the only musical problems are usually the result of guitarists, accordion players or percussionists who don't listen to each other and provide clashing or inappropriate accompaniments. Of course there are occasions when instrumental players show off, but I've always discouraged excessive solo performance in sessions I've been responsible for, whether instrumental or vocal. Such things can make nice interludes, but should not be the main focus. The more people who are constructively engaged at any time the better, from my point of view.

Living in Sheffield, which has an especially strong series of local traditions (old and new) I have probably been spoiled, of course. As some of you may have noticed, I'm far more interested in songs than in dance tunes: but when it comes to playing out, I enjoy the instrumental music more because it's inclusive, absorbing and exciting. Solo singing all too often dampens the mood. I'm perfectly capable of singing if necessary, but why bother when there are people present who can only sing? Let them have the attention. I'm happy playing (literally) second fiddle. It teaches you to listen, to improvise, and to accompany others (properly; imposing an inappropriate chordal structure on a melody is not accompaniment but interference): skills which everyone who cares more about the music than about their own ego ought to cultivate, I'd have thought.