The folk world is a genre where it is possible to be successful (in terms of recognition and achievement) without being a full-time professional musician. I'm thinking in particular of the ceilidh circuit, where most of the best-known bands and callers are largely made up of part-timers who earn their livings in other ways.

There are many musicians who have sufficient skills and talent to turn professional, but who simply cannot afford to do so - they can earn a much better living doing a "proper job" and playing music as a paying hobby. Nevertheless, the folk scene is one where these hobby musicians can become nationally known.

Financial success is another matter!