I really don't see why it's inappropriate or shameful to charge for performing in nursing homes, libraries, schools, etc. Nothing wrong with amateurs who wish to donate their services there, either, but in many cases these places do have a budget for entertainment. Although performing can be fun (and the entertainer should at least look like they are having fun while performing), there is a lot of time and work involved.   The songs and arrangements have to be learned, a program has to be planned, there is transportation, sound equipment, and other preparation, not to mention the performer's time. An hour's gig is not really an hour, it's more like 3, by the time you get there, set up, lug your sound system back and forth, etc.   And I don't see why giving music lessons should be any different than say, tutoring somebody in math or a foreign language. I don't understand where Patrick Costello is coming from at all, and why he feels that anyone who is paid to teach or perform music in schools, etc. is selfish or that their view of music is twisted into something sick. That is terribly harsh...