As one example, he cites the fact that people a hundred years ago used to gather in living rooms to play music and sing together...[now] When we sat down in the living room to play together, suddenly we were comparing ourselves to Joshua Bell, and it just didn't seem fun anymore.

I so completely agree with you and your roommate, and this part really struck me, because as a child growing up in a West Indian church, we *did* do that. The cultural difference really struck me.

Up with the cult of the amateur!

Amen!