Thanks for your reply, Jon.
This is quite a thought-provoking subject.
As is the case in our English language, we have many words that can be used in different ways. Professional is one of those words i.e. people or their work can be described as 'professional' which would be a compliment but if described as 'amateur' then would it not be a bit disparaging? The impression would be that the person could not be described as 'professional' and their work not seen as 'professional' standard. This then raises the word 'professional' to a higher status because of it's comparison to 'amateur'.
The above definition, or my attempt at a definition, isn't the one that has anything to do with making a living from an activity. (I have seen a painting, framed and on the wall of someone's home and it is amazing that it was painted by someone who is not an artist and it is not that person's way of making a living). The painting looks very professional.
On the subject of music, I gave examples of new, or original music being performed in various ways publicly, and whether they, the composers, would be regarded as amateur or professional. The music heard could be described as 'very professional' but the composer may not be making a living from composing music, so if that meaning is right, the composer writing professional standard music would be regarded as an amateur. This would then come back to whether that word would be the correct description if compared with professional.
Really, I wouldn't think it would make any difference whether music was composed by an amateur or professional, and in some cases, an amateur could feel a great sense of pride that their work has been considered worth presenting to the public. If they present it themselves, there is the risk that the word amateur could then be used in a disparaging way, especially by reason of 'sour grapes' or that some members of the public may not recognise what would sound amateurish or professional.
There is then the situation for songwriters and composers who have moved up the ladder into the music-business but not to a dizzy-height.
That is the next part of my thinking and analyzing of whether people are regarded as 'amateur' or 'professional' in their work (creative, in this case).
Any more thoughts would be appreciated.
Thankyou Marian
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