As far as drummers go,here at least you can go to University, after 4 years of advanced high school, and take a 4 year BMus in percussion, other instruments required. A far cry from some guy with a 4 piece kit in Dad's garage.

As you start to research who did what in the musical world you have to be amazed at the people who actually had a real, vast, and varied background in Music Education, an aspect which is dying and very lacking in today's school systems.

Why some of us love stuff like Mr. Holland's Opus to name but one of the inspirational music based movies. We'd all be richer if we pushed for more music ed, but it's an uphill battle of huge proportions. Well worth it.

When's the last time you took some used gear to your kids school, or offered a glimpse into midi or making a backing track using software? Lots of mileage (or kms) available there too..) (dangle participle wait for resolution).

John Conley
Musica est vita