Not all voice teachers are hostile to folk singing, Jim. I had some lessons at one time and found it very useful. The teacher taught me to use my diaphragm, which gave me better breath control when singing, and also how to use my mouth to round out the sound and make it sound open and warm.

Also, having lessons got me used to singing solo in front of someone else - someone who was actually listening critically, not just a family member. This (and the breathing) helped a lot with nerves. She didn't try to make me sing in a classical style, or encourage vibrato and other inappropriate mannerisms. But singing clear and true, with each note in tune, is something valued by all singing teachers.

However, I agree that a group "workshop" with other folk/traditional singers is also very useful, particularly for paying attention to the actual delivery of the song. There you can learn more about how to learn the words and then sing them clearly and with meaning (skills which are often lost in classical singing). A skilled teacher/facilitator can help singers to do this together, and someimes they'll appraise each other's performances, which is really useful.

Marje