Richard, etc all,
I've been actively involved in spectroscopy for the last ten years. Prior to that almost forty years in amateur astronomy.
Spectroscopy is easy to start, as you say, with a grating and whatever camera telescope you have available. I call this spectroscopy 101.
It gives the introduction to spectra and how to process and calibrate the 1D profile. You can obviously record low resolution spectrum of many varied stellar objects and gain a basic understanding of the HR diagram and stellar evolution.
There are very few "serious" spectroscopic areas to contribute to other than confirmation of novae and SN with the grating.
There are many forums world wide to assist the novice, and a couple of my own books which may be of help
In my experience using the grating is as far as most amateurs go.....the drop out rate in the first twelve months is >80%
Why is this so?
I think part of the reason is not seeing any "advantage" or recognition by the rest of the amateur community. How often have you seen "The image of the week/ month" being a detailed Spectral image? Never.
The other reason is the quantum leap required to move into serious high resolution spectroscopy - the areas of research and data required by the professionals. The necessary slit spectroscope will set you back in excess of $4000, this also requires a good QE mono camera and a suitable guide camera as well as a large (As large as possible) telescope capable of working at >f7 and mount capable of holding a target star on a 20micron slit gap for tens of minutes to stack into a two hour exposure. Such are the challenges of ProAm spectroscopy.
Not really that much different to the dedicated AP amateur, but without the group "glory"
It takes dedication, rigor and patience...... but believe me the rewards strongly outweigh the problems. You are at the forefront of amateur science "boldly going where few have gone before". The professionals we work with are great and always willing to share their knowledge to help us understand what is actually being recorded and what it means in terms of the dynamics of the star(s) being observed.
If any member wants more information on spectroscopic equipment, available processing software or any other aspect of spectroscopy just drop me a PM or email.