Lots of good advice here; practice regularly, focus, have a plan...

As well as technical solutions to improvements(which are necessary, of course) , what about nourishing the creative side? Bonnie referred to "to.. (experiencing) what those old-timers experienced for a moment in time with their music."

And " Where I am narrowed down with what I am playing. Telling my own tale through my tune. Sure I will be missing the hardships that went along with the tune, but I figure if I focus in, I will get a better appreciation for what those folks were trying to express to us. Maybe I will learn how to tell my own tale too."

Well said, Bonnie.
My Grandfather was a wonderful Québec style fiddler, who learned from what he heard, and re-interpreted. I hope I can continue to use what I learned from his approach to music!

I think those of us who love and play traditional music can be true to the spirit of the music--by listening to our own inner spirit...to go with our emotional creative side to express the tradition, rather than focussing on reproducing it note for note.

Rich McCarthy