Thanks for your comments, Tony - my main point was that I think there's real value in a teacher who is as enthusiastic about your musical interests as you are.

As for the question of imitation - well, if I could come close to their styles, I'm pretty sure I'd have developed my own opinions about what I liked by that point! I hate it as much as anyone when someone stands up and does a note-for-note cover of a Martin Carthy track, and I would never do it in public, but it doesn't mean there isn't value in learning how to do it. I don't think there's a great artist out there who didn't comprehensively dive into someone else's work before developing their own style.

Richard - thanks.