As someone who has tramped the folk scene for many years, I see Stallion s point of view, the university of life is in my opinion the best university. however I can see some pluses to an exam system if it exposes children to older styles and traditional music in general. its certainly preferable to competitions.I am still listening to Traditional singers but have my own distinctive style. I am sure Martin Carthy is too. the point is Carthy sounds like Carthy, not an exact clone of Joseph Taylor.