The word choice of trumpet; applying the fife to a capstan cadence &c are Smyth's definitions not mine. He wasn't a Yank.

Yes, musicianship is still a skilled trade and still less likely to be found on smaller vessels, navy or merchant. Song (not shanty) was once a Royal Navy alternative to the fife according to Smyth.

"Never taught "stepping", never in fact heard of it,...

Think Smyth's time in, not yours.

IMO Ged Fox's question isn't so far off topic it needs another thread. Got enough of that to contend with already.