I certainly agree with all the comments on the four previous postings, assuming another posting does not slide in while I'm writing this. I wanted to add to the question as to whether classically trained musicians are more competitive. I think the answer is largely YES. And the reason is the fault of the "system" itself. Assuming that you studied at a large and prestigious Music school, such as Oberlin Conservatory of Music, as my friend Lauren did, you are a product of the system. From there he went onto many prestigious orchesters, playing such conductors as Stokowski (sp?). He attended master classes in conducting with the likes of Berstein, (again sp?) etc. Probably for 20 years of his life, he was always in a competitve postition. Second chair, challenge for first chair, challenge for Concert Master (assistant Conductor)? At the time of his death, he had had quite a marvelous career not only as a violin soloist, but had conducted five orchestras. So, many of the classically trained musicians I've known are very competitve. Hopefully, the older they get, and the more secure, the more human they become. But let me tell you ... it's a tough world out there. You may reach a certain level of proficency, but you're always looking over your shoulder because youngsters are always comming up behind you. And if YOU are sitting in the First Chair violin section, and they are in the Second Chair section. the ONLY way they can advance is to challenge you. And they do! CHEERS, Bob (I'm enjoying this thread, as if you couldn't tell).