A local traditional singers club have recently invited interested people to partake in an online survey.

I should say, in fairness, that this was not instigated by the club organisers themselves but one of the regular attendees although it does relate to the club itself.

I'm usually very cynical about these "box ticking" methods of gathering information and, invariably, they are usually very flawed.

However, one particular question irritated me greatly.


"What is your highest level of educational attainment?

High school degree or equivalent

University (B.A. or equivalent)

University (Masters)

University (PhD)"

I'm not sure what our educational qualifications have to do with our appreciation, enjoyment, or even our ability to perform songs and music! Many of the greatest singers and musicians have had little or no formal further education but many are extremely "well read" and knowledgeable about various aspects of life. There are also some others who couldn't even read a newspaper but are still wonderful singers and players.

The majority of the older generation didn't go to University although some, like myself, gained their degrees etc through other institutions or as mature students. Indeed, back then, it was not uncommon to leave school with no qualifications whatsoever but this didn't mean that such people were ignorant and many still went on to achieve great success. Yet there is no place for them in this survey!

As I say, this is not an official survey by the organisers of the club although they themselves are academics.
However, it does little to dispel the growing impression that traditional music and song is now increasingly considered to be the preserve of such an elite.