It is intriguing that from this forum of 127 members, only one has responded meekly to the idea of becoming a musician.  I have to think about what that may mean.

I have to think that most members are content to remain as amateurs which, if I think about it, can still be about the same music as being professional.  Why not?

Besides, the real lure may be the challenge and not the end result.

Then too, just owning a violin imparts a message of rare talent ( I own 2 violins, 2 violas and a cello.  If that isn't talent, what is? )

 Also, some are just genuine music lovers without any special ambitions.

"The play is the thing."  William Shakespeare

I wonder about the percent of violin students who eventually make a living as a musician.  Probably less than one percent.

It just occurs to me that most professional musicians that I know in a personal way have been church organists.  I think the current organist maintains her sanity by occasionally belting out some (rollin') gospel blues before service which is always well received.  She probably gives lessons also which I don't know about.

I think the thinning out of violinists happens because the competition gets increasingly tough which I observe every year in the Indianapolis competitions.  The level of playing among "serious" amateurs is really out of reach for most violinists.  ( and YouTube is not far behind )

If you want to stand out today, one must somehow top the likes of Hillary Hahn(sp?)      (I would not even attempt that because I think Paganinni(sp?)

is lousy music.  My crowd would prefer anything called "Nashville".

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.

Mark Twain

I will welcome a spelling ikon.