Hi Terry

Interesting condundrum - striking a balance between pleasing ourselves and struttin our stuff!!! Forums - somewhat like playing music for the public - involve putting our opinions and ideas out for consumption. I believe people can be supportive of each other's effort to be a musician without finding a whole lot of heartwarming things to say about another's approach. While excellence is obviously in no way measured by commercial success - (it's impossible to overestimate the vulgarity in consumer tastes and unbelievable how much percussive/rhythmic emphasis has robbed modern music of its soul) - it doesn't seem appropriate that artistic expression be devoid of criteria for excellence either. Without standards of excellence, it is difficult to envision how or why we would encourage young promising musicians to be 'all they can be' - after all - there is some beautiful but difficult music out there.
I would like to see everyone learning how to play some kind of instrument. And for them to be told that their own enjoyment is a high level of achievement. Just like listening to a CD should bring you enjoyment. The 'arranger' has a little of both. It's kind of part live musician - part recorded musician(s). Nobody's in charge of deciding whether or not it is music.

regards
Mike