I'm writing from the perspective of a violin/fiddle teacher. No matter what kind of music you end up playing, it is important to get a solid grounding in basic techniques. The violin/fiddle is physically, technically difficult. You need to learn how to hold the violin, how to hold the bow, how to move the bow across the strings, and how to play in tune, no matter what. Even, or especially, if you play folk or traditional music, you will be a much better player, artistically, if you learn some more techniques and ways to express emotion in your playing. There is a big difference between playing notes and playing music. Technique and feeling are both essential, regardless of the genre.