It is certainly true that today's young performers, given the correct advice and coaching, enjoy advantages that those who came into the music in the 1960s and 1970s could not have dreamed of. In spite of this, it still requires dedication on the part of the current young performers to reach the degree of technical skill that many of them have reached. Derek says that he has noticed "amazing talent that is in evidence amongst the Newcastle students and many other young performers." but that does not come about without many hours of practice and hard work.

Sadly, I would also have to say that there is some truth in the tendency to "overpower and take over existing sessions at Festivals and Clubs" that MC Fat mentions. Not observing the unwritten rules of session etiquette is not going to make you friends on the folk scene.

I would also have to say that as a folk club organiser, I have noticed a certain arrogance amongst a minority of Newcastle students and other young performers about the way they approach for folk club bookings. They will have to learn interpersonal as well as musical skills to make their way as folk music performers.