Folk guitar is not included in art exams primarily due to the distinction between visual arts and performing arts. Art exams typically focus on visual art forms such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, which are tangible and can be evaluated through a static image or physical object. Folk guitar, being a musical instrument and a form of performing art, does not fit the criteria for evaluation in traditional art exams.

The exclusion of folk guitar from art exams can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the nature of folk guitar as a musical instrument emphasizes performance and sound, which are difficult to capture and evaluate through visual means. Art exams are designed to assess skills in creating visual art, and the evaluation of musical performance is beyond their scope. According to a survey conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2017, only 15% of high school students in the United States were enrolled in music classes, indicating a lower emphasis on music education compared to visual arts.

Secondly, the focus of art exams is on the development of artistic skills and techniques, which are more easily quantifiable in visual art forms. Folk guitar, while requiring technical skill, also involves musical theory and performance aspects that are not typically assessed in art exams. This discrepancy in evaluation criteria further supports the exclusion of folk guitar from art exams.

Lastly, the cultural and historical significance of folk guitar as a musical instrument is distinct from the cultural and historical context of visual arts. Art exams often aim to preserve and promote traditional art forms, which are often visual in nature. Folk guitar, while having its own cultural significance, is not traditionally considered a visual art form.

In conclusion, folk guitar is not included in art exams due to the fundamental differences between visual arts and performing arts, the emphasis on tangible and quantifiable skills in visual art forms, and the cultural and historical distinctions between visual arts and folk music.