cant really say, I had violin lessons for about 8 yrs as a kid. I took up the fiddle 5yrs ago and have no problem playing in public and do paying gigs and solo for dances etc. but it was about 2 yrs before I played in public (after I took it up again)

As a general rule I think at least a year of playing is required to get some basics in fingering and intonation etc. and probably 5 years before anyone might want to listen to you. (this all depends on your age I think youngsters can learn really quickly as a young mind is quite adept at learning. In general you get what you put in. So if you play an hour everyday for a couple years youll get reasonably good. (and when I say practice I consider even noodling practice, above all enjoy.) petr.