Wow, you set off a right one here!!! and unfortunatly I don't think there is an answer, because its this sort of wierd logic that makes music what it is!!!! *smile*

I AM LOOKING FROM A FOLKMUSICANS PERSPECTIVE - NOT CLASSICAL (its a whole different kettle of fish!!)

You see I play the piano accordion and have not had regular tuition BUT I have gone to the Folkworks summer school and recived a week of tutoring on Accordion from loads and loads and loads of top class musicians. That is 'training' whether it be once a year or once a week.

Now that allowed me to pick bits of of all of there styles to create my own. It could also be argued that without any input AT ALL it would ALL be my style, which is true but I wonder if my style would be just as adventurous as it is now?? mmm??. At this point the question WHAT IS FOLKMUSIC ABOUT?? Folkmusic is music 'made by the people for the people' which means its about swaping tunes, stories, tips & techniques, you know the old experienced players teach the young ones. is it??

You see if you are never made aware of these tips and techniques how will you ever discover them. You see the techniques CAN give you more 'tools' to carve feeling into the tunes. As well as making your playing more advanced.

OK so you have had the training, but what about EMOTION????? Well thats up to the individual. In theory the clodest of musicians (in the emotional sence) must still feel emotions while they are playing it just does not spill down their fingers and on to their instrument as perhaps the 'general' folky would like, it doesn't actually mean they are feeling any less? mmm I've never thought of it like that. My brains getting knotted I think its best I signed off!!

Essentially its up to the individual, but knowledge is power and you can only leave something behind if you know what it is. wow!!

Cheers, Sam