Having skimmed through all the above posts, I can see why some people object to the idea of examinations in traditional music, but the more I think about it, the more the idea appeals to me.

I can't see the problem in setting up a series of graded tests that could run in parallel with the RCM grades that exist for classical music. Some of the core stuff (the aural tests, the "practical musicianship" etc) would be broadly similar, but when it came to playing, it would cater for traditional instruments, tunes and playing styles. Sure, there would have to be some tricky decisions taken as to what tunes, what styles, what techniques should be promoted, but it wouldn't be an impossible task and could be very rewarding.

I'd like to see, for instance, more emphasis on aural learning and memory as well as written notation; more encouragement of use of both instruments and voices (all instrumental players should have a go at singing, and vice versa); more emphasis on improvisation and on ensemble playing or harmony singing.

As to repertoire, there's a huge wealth of songs and tunes out there, some of which are already used in the classical syllabus (and given the plonky-plonk piano accompaniments with fancy chords that we know so well). Wouldn't it be great to hear these tunes being learnt by students as folk pieces and played in traditional styles?

I'm not suggesting that taking exams in instrument or voice should be forced on children, but some kids do enjoy the challenge of graded tests and are motivated by getting through the grades. The children who take exams in classical music don't all end up hating it and finding it a chore - on the contrary, many go on to keep it as a lifelong hobby. Why not offer them the opportunity to try studying and making music of a different genre?

And I don't think it would be beyond the wit of EFDSS and/or associated organisations to seek to define some aspects of English tradtion that all children in schools could usefully and enjoyably study. I'd like to see our children learn about, say, how sea shanties came into being and were used; how broadside ballads were used and popularised; who collected and passed on the tunes and songs we now regard as traditional, and how this was done; what accompaniments were used, if any, for songs in the past; when the various instruments now used in traditional music came into being, and some of the distinctive features of each one (e.g how many people in England actually know that there are any bagpipes other than the Highland pipes?); the origins and background of traditional dances (morris, maypole, rapper, country dances, etc). And if they don't know who Martin Carthy is (or Ewan MacColl, or Shirley Collins) it's about time someone told them.

I'm getting quite excited now - can I write the syllabus? It could really be very worthwhile and interesting.