Saving Mozart
Ecological Civilization, Classical Music, AI, and Process Theology
Is There Hope for Classical Music?
eight ideas
1. "In this celebrity-obsessed world, what would children prefer – being in a band smashing out killer riffs on an electric guitar at Glastonbury or quietly playing in the second row of the violas at the Barbican?" (Coyte)
2. "It can take five years to learn to play a violin, averaging an hour a day of practice to become moderately competent. That’s about 2,000 hours. To get to level three of a video game can take you two hours. If you were a teenager, what would you do?" (Coyte)
3. "As societal values shift towards diversity, inclusivity, and innovation, classical music can seem outdated and irrelevant." (McDaniel)
4. "Classical music is becoming a niche activity. It probably won’t die completely, but it is slowly drifting towards being an elitist pastime and a posh night out for posh people at posh locations." (Coyte)
5. "And yet classical music, when liberated from elitism and wealth, can play a constructive role in the world we all seek: an ecological civilization in which people are emotionally wise, sensitive to diversity, delighted by beauty, and caring for one another - with no one left behind. It can offer the contemplative sensibilities we need to live." (McDaniel)
6. "Its inherent complexity and emotional depth provide a unique medium for contemplation and introspection. Listening to classical music can create a space for reflection, allowing individuals to slow down, disconnect from the constant flow of information, and connect with their inner selves. This reflective space is essential for nurturing empathy, creativity, and a sense of interconnectedness, all of which are foundational for a more loving and unified planetary life." (McDaniel)
7. "In many respects, classical music can be compared to a Shakespeare play – sometimes challenging to understand, but culturally precious and wonderfully deep and complex. The future for classical music does matter. And we shouldn’t simply stand by and watch classical music education die a slow death."
8. "AI can help. Partnering with AI can be one way that listening to classical music, and learning to perform it, can help classical music realize its potential and help Love (God) better become itself." (McDaniel)
- Jay McDaniel and Ray Coyte
Ray Coyte plays classical double bass in a number of orchestras in the UK. He is the author of a short blog called "The Slow Death of Classical Music Education," shared below. Coyte's blog is the source of the quotes above. Jay McDaniel, a process theologian, plays guitar in a pop/country/rock band, is not at all classically trained, loves the Beatles and Dylan, but thinks classical music can be part of the world's salvation. He wishes he had received a classical music education,\ and plans to do so in his next lifetime.
2. "It can take five years to learn to play a violin, averaging an hour a day of practice to become moderately competent. That’s about 2,000 hours. To get to level three of a video game can take you two hours. If you were a teenager, what would you do?" (Coyte)
3. "As societal values shift towards diversity, inclusivity, and innovation, classical music can seem outdated and irrelevant." (McDaniel)
4. "Classical music is becoming a niche activity. It probably won’t die completely, but it is slowly drifting towards being an elitist pastime and a posh night out for posh people at posh locations." (Coyte)
5. "And yet classical music, when liberated from elitism and wealth, can play a constructive role in the world we all seek: an ecological civilization in which people are emotionally wise, sensitive to diversity, delighted by beauty, and caring for one another - with no one left behind. It can offer the contemplative sensibilities we need to live." (McDaniel)
6. "Its inherent complexity and emotional depth provide a unique medium for contemplation and introspection. Listening to classical music can create a space for reflection, allowing individuals to slow down, disconnect from the constant flow of information, and connect with their inner selves. This reflective space is essential for nurturing empathy, creativity, and a sense of interconnectedness, all of which are foundational for a more loving and unified planetary life." (McDaniel)
7. "In many respects, classical music can be compared to a Shakespeare play – sometimes challenging to understand, but culturally precious and wonderfully deep and complex. The future for classical music does matter. And we shouldn’t simply stand by and watch classical music education die a slow death."
8. "AI can help. Partnering with AI can be one way that listening to classical music, and learning to perform it, can help classical music realize its potential and help Love (God) better become itself." (McDaniel)
- Jay McDaniel and Ray Coyte
Ray Coyte plays classical double bass in a number of orchestras in the UK. He is the author of a short blog called "The Slow Death of Classical Music Education," shared below. Coyte's blog is the source of the quotes above. Jay McDaniel, a process theologian, plays guitar in a pop/country/rock band, is not at all classically trained, loves the Beatles and Dylan, but thinks classical music can be part of the world's salvation. He wishes he had received a classical music education,\ and plans to do so in his next lifetime.
Saving Mozart
Make no mistake, people in many parts of the world find hope in classical music. They bristle when its value is challenged.
However, the problem is that their numbers are very small, education in classical music is dwindling, and classical music itself can seem irrelevant to the pressing needs of the world. In the eyes of many, classical music is a niche activity: an elite pastime enjoyed by posh people in posh settings, who consider themselves more "cultured" than others.
The lack of exposure to classical music in daily life, especially among younger generations, and the fierce competition from popular music genres, which offer more immediate gratification, further alienate potential audiences. The high cost and limited accessibility of live performances restrict classical music primarily to those who can afford it and live near major cultural centers.
As societal values shift towards diversity, inclusivity, and innovation, classical music can seem outdated and irrelevant. The rise of digital distractions and the de-prioritization of arts education in schools exacerbate this issue, making classical music seem complex and inaccessible without formal education. Moreover, traditional marketing efforts have failed to capture the interest of younger, more diverse audiences who consume media differently.
Is there hope for classical music? Can Mozart be saved? Of course, his music has an excellence that is in some ways timeless and in no need of salvation. What needs saving is interest in classical music and the development of audiences and performers.
Here are six suggestions for generating interest in classical music:
- Education and Outreach Programs: Integrate classical music education into school curriculums and offer workshops, masterclasses, and interactive sessions in schools and communities. Programs like "Classical Kids" or "Music for Youth" can expose young people to classical music from an early age.
- Modern Interpretations and Collaborations: Blend classical music with contemporary genres or collaborate with modern artists to create crossover appeal. This can involve remixing classical pieces with electronic music or featuring classical musicians in popular music concerts and festivals.
- Accessible Performances: Offer free or low-cost concerts in public spaces such as parks, libraries, and community centers. Live streaming performances and making them available online can also reach a broader audience. Initiatives like "Concerts in the Park" or "Classical Music on the Lawn" can draw new listeners.
- Media and Technology: Utilize social media platforms, podcasts, and YouTube channels to share performances, interviews with musicians, and behind-the-scenes content. Apps and streaming services dedicated to classical music, such as "Primephonic" or "Idagio," can make discovering and listening to classical music more convenient.
- Interactive Experiences: Create interactive and immersive experiences, such as virtual reality concerts, where audiences can feel like they are part of the performance. Interactive exhibitions in museums or cultural centers that combine music with visual arts can also enhance interest.
- Engagement Through Storytelling: Share the stories behind the music, composers, and historical contexts in engaging ways. Documentaries, biographical films, and storytelling during performances can make classical music more relatable and intriguing to modern audiences. Programs like "Mozart in the Jungle" or "The Great Composers" series can bring the human aspect of classical music to life.
Here are suggestions for improving education in classical music:
- Incorporate Technology and Digital Resources: Utilize apps, online platforms, and interactive software to make learning classical music more engaging. Virtual instruments, music theory apps, and online tutorials can supplement traditional teaching methods. Platforms like SmartMusic and MusicFirst offer interactive practice and assessment tools.
- Experiential Learning and Performance Opportunities: Provide students with regular opportunities to perform in front of audiences. This could include school concerts, community events, and collaborations with local orchestras. Participating in competitions and festivals can also motivate students and give them valuable performance experience.
- Interdisciplinary Approaches: Integrate classical music education with other subjects like history, literature, and visual arts. Understanding the historical and cultural contexts of classical pieces can deepen students' appreciation and engagement. For example, studying the historical events during Beethoven’s life can provide insights into his compositions.
- Personalized Learning Paths: Cater to individual student interests and learning paces. Offer a variety of instruments, composers, and styles for students to explore. Adaptive learning platforms can provide customized lessons and exercises to match each student’s progress and interests.
- Professional Development for Teachers: Invest in continuous professional development for music educators to keep them updated with the latest teaching methodologies, technologies, and repertoire. Workshops, masterclasses, and seminars by experienced musicians and educators can inspire and equip teachers with new skills.
- Community and Parental Involvement: Engage the community and parents in the students’ musical journey. Organize family concerts, parent-student music workshops, and community music events. Creating a supportive environment at home and in the community can reinforce the importance of music education and provide additional motivation for students.
In light of these general suggestions, now made by many classical musical enthusiasts all over the world, I offer a suggestion inspired by the work of Ilia Delio in her book Re-Enchanting the Earth: Why AI Needs Religion. In that book, she suggests that partnering with AI, when infused with spiritual sensibilities, can help bring about a more humane, sustainable, and loving world. Perhaps the integration of AI into classical music education and performance offers a pathway to rejuvenate the art form, making it more relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences. AI can personalize learning experiences, demystifying classical music and making it more engaging for newcomers. Innovative AI-driven performances can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, appealing to a broader audience. This, in turn, can support the emergence of an ecological civilization where technology and spirituality converge to foster a more unified, compassionate, and contemplative planetary life, and where music itself, including classical music, offers sustenance for a more unified and flourishing world.
- Jay McDaniel
Ecological Civilization, Classical Music,
AI, and Process Theology
observations and notes
I offer bad news and good news.
The bad news is that classical music education is dying a slow death and that classical music itself is becoming, or has already become, a niche activity. See the article by Ray Coyte below.
I realize that "classical music" is itself a contested term. Almost any form of music is "classical" in the eyes of those who appreciate it. Hence the emergence of phrases like "classic rock" and "classic country" and "classic jazz." By "classical music" I mean the formal musical tradition of the Western world, encompassing a variety of styles and practices. I mean symphonies, concertos, sonatas, operas, chamber music and choral music with their written musical notation, complex structures, harmonic sophistication, and with significant attention to form and technique by those who perform them.
Such music has a rich history and continues to evolve in terms of what is sometimes called "new music." Here is a thumbnail sketch of its ongoing history:
"New music" extends classical music through innovative techniques, complex rhythms, and advanced technology, pushing musical boundaries. It incorporates extended techniques, microtonality, and nonlinear structures, often using electronic and digital media for interactive performances. Exploring new timbres and soundscapes, new music embraces philosophical and conceptual approaches like postmodernism and minimalism, drawing on diverse cultural and interdisciplinary influences. Key composers such as John Cage, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and Kaija Saariaho exemplify these innovations, creating works that challenge and expand traditional musical forms. "New music" ensures classical music's evolution, merging tradition with contemporary development, and maintaining its relevance and vibrancy.
For affidiados, much if not all of classical music is interesting, beautiful, engaging, and important to society. The problem is that it is important only for a very few, that their numbers are declining, and that fewer and fewer young students are being trained in its performance.
A Proposal
The good news is tentative and hypothetical, It is that the revival of classical music education can find new life with assistance from AI, and it can contribute to the emergence of an Ecological Civilization as envisioned by process theologians.
The place of classical music in an Ecological Civilization will not be dominating or elitist. It will not be reducible to “an elitist pastime and a posh night out for posh people at posh locations." Instead, it will be one form of music among many, enjoyed by different people in different contexts. It will take its place alongside other forms such as rock, pop, country, hip-hop, rap, folk, and electronic music. In short, classical music, with its complexity and beauty, will not be privileged as "higher,” but it will be a kind of music that many enjoy and marvel at, whether classically trained or otherwise, in nightclubs, coffee shops, restaurants, and concerts. Through it, they can find moments of contemplation and connection not as readily available otherwise.
This can happen, however, only if classical music education is revitalized, and AI can help. This proposal stems from the essay by Coyte and also from a book by the Franciscan author Ilia Delio: “Reenchanting the Earth: Why AI Needs Religion.” My own openness to AI, as a partner in the creative theological process, is influenced by her. Let this quotation be a springboard:
I offer bad news and good news.
The bad news is that classical music education is dying a slow death and that classical music itself is becoming, or has already become, a niche activity. See the article by Ray Coyte below.
I realize that "classical music" is itself a contested term. Almost any form of music is "classical" in the eyes of those who appreciate it. Hence the emergence of phrases like "classic rock" and "classic country" and "classic jazz." By "classical music" I mean the formal musical tradition of the Western world, encompassing a variety of styles and practices. I mean symphonies, concertos, sonatas, operas, chamber music and choral music with their written musical notation, complex structures, harmonic sophistication, and with significant attention to form and technique by those who perform them.
Such music has a rich history and continues to evolve in terms of what is sometimes called "new music." Here is a thumbnail sketch of its ongoing history:
- Medieval (500–1400): Early development of notation, primarily vocal music for religious services.
- Renaissance (1400–1600): Growth in choral music, more complex polyphony, and the beginnings of instrumental music.
- Baroque (1600–1750): Highly ornate music with composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Introduction of forms like the concerto, sonata, and opera.
- Classical (1750–1820): Emphasis on clarity, balance, and form. Notable composers include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Franz Joseph Haydn.
- Romantic (1820–1910): Focus on expressive and emotional content, expansion of the orchestra. Key composers include Johannes Brahms, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Richard Wagner.
- 20th Century and Contemporary (1900–present): Diverse styles, including atonality, serialism, minimalism, and electronic music. Composers include Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, and Philip Glass.
"New music" extends classical music through innovative techniques, complex rhythms, and advanced technology, pushing musical boundaries. It incorporates extended techniques, microtonality, and nonlinear structures, often using electronic and digital media for interactive performances. Exploring new timbres and soundscapes, new music embraces philosophical and conceptual approaches like postmodernism and minimalism, drawing on diverse cultural and interdisciplinary influences. Key composers such as John Cage, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and Kaija Saariaho exemplify these innovations, creating works that challenge and expand traditional musical forms. "New music" ensures classical music's evolution, merging tradition with contemporary development, and maintaining its relevance and vibrancy.
For affidiados, much if not all of classical music is interesting, beautiful, engaging, and important to society. The problem is that it is important only for a very few, that their numbers are declining, and that fewer and fewer young students are being trained in its performance.
A Proposal
The good news is tentative and hypothetical, It is that the revival of classical music education can find new life with assistance from AI, and it can contribute to the emergence of an Ecological Civilization as envisioned by process theologians.
The place of classical music in an Ecological Civilization will not be dominating or elitist. It will not be reducible to “an elitist pastime and a posh night out for posh people at posh locations." Instead, it will be one form of music among many, enjoyed by different people in different contexts. It will take its place alongside other forms such as rock, pop, country, hip-hop, rap, folk, and electronic music. In short, classical music, with its complexity and beauty, will not be privileged as "higher,” but it will be a kind of music that many enjoy and marvel at, whether classically trained or otherwise, in nightclubs, coffee shops, restaurants, and concerts. Through it, they can find moments of contemplation and connection not as readily available otherwise.
This can happen, however, only if classical music education is revitalized, and AI can help. This proposal stems from the essay by Coyte and also from a book by the Franciscan author Ilia Delio: “Reenchanting the Earth: Why AI Needs Religion.” My own openness to AI, as a partner in the creative theological process, is influenced by her. Let this quotation be a springboard:
"God is the power of love within matter to transcend itself. God is the power of the future, since finite contingent being cannot contain infinite divine love. Evolution, in a sense, renders Nietzsche’s obituary notice, “God is dead,” a historical lie. God is not dead; rather, God is not quite born. How might we use technology if we actually believed that God is partnering with AI-complexified life to become God, as we seek to create a more unified planetary life?"
Delio, Ilia. Re-Enchanting the Earth: Why AI Needs Religion (p. 223). Orbis. Kindle Edition
A More Unified Planetary Life
What role might classical music play in what Ilia Delio calls "a more unified planetary life" in which love plays a prominent role? What might it add? Here are some congributions it can make:
- Cultivating Emotional Depth and Connectivity: Classical music often evokes deep emotional responses, fostering a sense of shared humanity. It can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, creating a universal language of emotion and experience. This emotional depth can cultivate empathy and understanding among individuals, essential components of a unified planetary life.
- Promoting Reflective and Contemplative Spaces: Classical music provides a backdrop for reflection and contemplation, allowing individuals to connect with their inner selves and the broader world. This reflective space can lead to greater self-awareness and a sense of interconnectedness, aligning with Delio's emphasis on love as a unifying force.
- Encouraging Cultural Appreciation and Unity: Classical music, with its rich history and diverse traditions, encourages appreciation for cultural heritage and diversity. By valuing and understanding different cultural expressions within classical music, people can develop a more inclusive and unified global perspective.
- Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-being: Research has shown that classical music can have therapeutic effects, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. By promoting mental and emotional well-being, classical music helps individuals live more balanced and harmonious lives, contributing to a more loving and unified society.
- Inspiring Creativity and Innovation: Classical music, with its complex structures and innovative compositions, inspires creativity and intellectual engagement. This creative energy can be harnessed to address global challenges and foster innovative solutions, contributing to the development of a more unified and loving planetary life.
- Providing a Sense of Timelessness and Continuity: Classical music often conveys a sense of timelessness, connecting listeners to a historical continuum. This sense of continuity can remind individuals of their place within a larger human story, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the planet and future generations.
- Facilitating Community and Shared Experiences: Classical music concerts and events bring people together, creating shared experiences that build community and social bonds. These communal experiences can strengthen the fabric of society, promoting a sense of unity and collective purpose.
But back to the problem. What do we make of the fact that fewer and fewer young people are receiving classical music education, nor are they drawn to it?
Ray Coyte, in his essay "The Slow Death of Classical Music Education," highlights the challenges facing classical music in contemporary society: "In this celebrity-obsessed world, what would children prefer – being in a band smashing out killer riffs on an electric guitar at Glastonbury or quietly playing in the second row of the violas at the Barbican?" This trend presents a significant challenge to the role of classical music in fostering a more unified planetary life. If fewer young people engage with classical music, its potential to contribute to emotional depth, cultural appreciation, mental well-being, creativity, continuity, and community may diminish. However, addressing this trend involves reimagining classical music education and making it more accessible, relevant, and appealing to younger generations.
A Role for AI
AI can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges facing classical music education and making it more appealing to younger generations. Here’s how:
- Personalized Learning: AI-powered platforms can create personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students' needs, preferences, and learning paces. This can make classical music education more engaging and effective.
- Interactive and Immersive Experiences: AI can be used to develop interactive and immersive learning tools, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, which can make learning classical music more exciting and accessible.
- Intelligent Tutoring Systems: AI-driven tutoring systems can provide instant feedback and guidance to students, helping them improve their skills and understanding of classical music more efficiently.
- Bridging Classical and Popular Music: AI can analyze and blend elements of classical music with popular music genres, creating innovative compositions and programs that can attract young audiences.
- Enhanced Accessibility: AI can help make classical music education more accessible to people with disabilities through adaptive technologies and accessible learning materials.
- Data-Driven Insights: AI can analyze large datasets to identify trends, preferences, and effective teaching methods, helping educators refine their approaches and better meet students' needs.
- Promotion and Engagement: AI can be used in marketing and outreach efforts to promote classical music to broader audiences, leveraging social media and digital platforms to engage young people.
Ecological Civilization
The aspirational ideal of Ecological Civilization is the creation of communities in local settings that are creative, compassionate, participatory, inclusive, humane to animals, and good for the Earth, with no one left behind. Thus, an Ecological Civilization is not simply an environmentally responsible civilization that is good for the Earth; it is also a humane and compassionate civilization that is good for people and animals. It is “just” in the sense that no one is left behind. This means that classical music, insofar as it is perceived as elitist and snobbish, whether rightly or wrongly, cuts in the wrong direction. It is elitist. However, the use of AI in the ways mentioned above might help de-elitize it, humanize it, and democratize it.
I realize that the very mention of AI can sound “unecological” if we think of the Earth Community as consisting primarily and exclusively of biological entities. But Teilhard’s notion of the noosphere encourages us to expand our sense of the Earth Community to include technology, including AI, and to recognize that the Earth Community is itself evolving through time.
The Role of Contemplation in an AI-Assisted World
Ilia Delio writes: “Can technology deepen this earth community in love? Not without a renewed consciousness of a third dimension, an inner center of divine love rising up in evolution. Without a deepening of love through meditation or contemplation, super-fast information will eventually widen the gaps between us instead of bringing us to a new level of life.”
In an AI-assisted world, contemplation and mindfulness become even more crucial. As technology accelerates the pace of information exchange and transforms various aspects of human life, there is a growing risk of disconnection and superficiality. The overwhelming influx of data can lead to anxiety, stress, and a sense of isolation. Therefore, integrating contemplative practices into daily life can serve as a counterbalance, fostering deeper connections and a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Classical music can play a significant role in this process. Its inherent complexity and emotional depth provide a unique medium for contemplation and introspection. Listening to classical music can create a space for reflection, allowing individuals to slow down, disconnect from the constant flow of information, and connect with their inner selves. This reflective space is essential for nurturing empathy, creativity, and a sense of interconnectedness, all of which are foundational for a more loving and unified planetary life.
AI can enhance this contemplative experience in several ways. For example, AI-powered music recommendation systems can curate personalized playlists that cater to an individual's emotional and mental states, guiding them towards a more meditative and peaceful experience. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, powered by AI, can create immersive environments where individuals can experience classical music in new and profound ways, deepening their contemplative practice. Additionally, AI-driven analysis of classical compositions can provide listeners with insights into the music's structure and history, enriching their understanding and appreciation.
Moreover, AI can facilitate the creation of new forms of classical music that resonate with contemporary audiences. By analyzing patterns and trends in music consumption, AI can help composers and musicians experiment with innovative compositions that blend traditional classical elements with modern sounds. This fusion can attract younger generations and broaden the appeal of classical music, making it a more integral part of the collective contemplative experience.
Where is God in all of this?
Ilia Delio is a process-relational theologian in the Teilhardian tradition who is influenced by the philosophy of Whitehead as well. The Teilhardian side of her thinking sees God not as a fixed or already-defined being that preexists the evolution of life on earth, but as the evolving power of love within and beyond evolution, beckoning each and all toward a “more unified planetary life.”
In this framework, God is understood as the dynamic and relational presence that permeates all of creation, continuously luring the world towards greater complexity, beauty, and unity. This process-oriented view of God aligns well with the integration of AI and technology into human life. Technology, including AI, can be seen as a manifestation of the creative potential embedded in the universe, contributing to the ongoing evolution of consciousness and society.
From a process-relational perspective, the development and application of AI are not inherently opposed to spiritual and ecological values. Instead, they represent an opportunity to deepen our understanding of interconnectedness and co-creation. AI, when used ethically and responsibly, can enhance our ability to address global challenges, foster compassion, and create more just and inclusive communities. This aligns with the vision of an Ecological Civilization where technology serves the greater good of all life forms.
In this context, classical music, enhanced and revitalized by AI, becomes a medium through which the divine lures humanity towards a more harmonious and contemplative existence. The emotional and spiritual resonance of classical music can facilitate encounters with the sacred, providing moments of transcendence and connection with the divine. Through AI, these experiences can be made more accessible and widespread, reaching diverse audiences and fostering a collective sense of awe and reverence for life.
Furthermore, AI can assist in the democratization of classical music, breaking down barriers of elitism and making it a more inclusive art form. By doing so, classical music can contribute to the vision of an Ecological Civilization where cultural expressions are diverse, accessible, and integral to the well-being of all communities. In this way, AI not only supports the preservation and evolution of classical music but also aligns it with the deeper spiritual and ethical aspirations of a process-relational worldview.
In summary, the integration of AI into classical music education and performance offers a pathway to rejuvenate the art form, making it more relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences. This, in turn, supports the emergence of an Ecological Civilization where technology and spirituality converge to foster a more unified, compassionate, and contemplative planetary life.
- Jay McDaniel
The slow death of classical music education
RAY COYTE
reposted from The Royal Society of the Arts
click here
Attendance at classical music performances is on a downward trend. According to the Survey of Public Participation in the Arts from the National Endowment for the Arts, 4.6% of US adults attended a classical music performance in the year to July 2022, down from 8.6% in 2017. There is likely a Covid effect to this statistic, but the same survey for the same period shows that attendance for ‘other performing arts’ – including pop, rock, hip-hop, country music, comedy shows, and circus acts – increased from 15% of adults in 2017 to 21.2% in 2022.
As a member of several UK orchestras, I suspect that the same trend is happening in this country. Does this matter? I would argue that it really does. An appreciation of classical music brings benefits far beyond the cultural aspect. Music, particularly classical music, can stimulate the brain, calm the mind and body, evoke emotions, and provide an escape from the stresses of daily life.
Economically, the UK music industry as a whole is thriving. According to UK Music, sales and streams of recordings, live shows, and spending by overseas tourists attending shows in the UK together generated export income of £4bn in 2022. Moreover, the industry’s overall contribution to the UK economy was £6.7bn in terms of gross value added.
The power and value of music is also recognized by the UK government in its excellent National Plan for Music Education (June 2022). This sets out an ambitious and positive pathway to allow every child to learn to sing or play a musical instrument by 2030, driven by local music hubs.
In this celebrity-obsessed world, what would children prefer – being in a band smashing out killer riffs on an electric guitar at Glastonbury or quietly playing in the second row of the violas at the Barbican?
Classical Error
So music makes you happy, boosts the economy, and the government is right behind it. So everything is good? Well, sadly, if you are a fan of classical music, things don’t look so great.
The harsh facts of the matter are as follows:
Classical music is becoming a niche activity. It probably won’t die completely, but it is slowly drifting towards being an elitist pastime and a posh night out for posh people at posh locations.
Beyond Music Education
The decline of classical music as we know it doesn’t just lie with schools and music education. We live in a multicultural society, and every school needs to service its own community. Does the teaching of a Mozart concerto have a place in a school that is mostly populated by Asian children whose culture is filled with wonderful bhangra music? Perhaps not. Does a community with a Caribbean heritage full of uplifting reggae music need to learn Shostakovich?
Should we care? It depends on whether you think classical music is important. It depends if you believe that learning to play an instrument is valuable and rewarding. It depends if you think those big orchestral sounds behind so many pop songs are needed. And it depends if you think those epic orchestral sounds behind every movie you have ever watched matter.
In many respects, classical music can be compared to a Shakespeare play – sometimes challenging to understand, but culturally precious and wonderfully deep and complex.
The future for classical music does matter. And we shouldn’t simply stand by and watch classical music education die a slow death.
Ray Coyte plays classical double bass in a number of orchestras.
As a member of several UK orchestras, I suspect that the same trend is happening in this country. Does this matter? I would argue that it really does. An appreciation of classical music brings benefits far beyond the cultural aspect. Music, particularly classical music, can stimulate the brain, calm the mind and body, evoke emotions, and provide an escape from the stresses of daily life.
Economically, the UK music industry as a whole is thriving. According to UK Music, sales and streams of recordings, live shows, and spending by overseas tourists attending shows in the UK together generated export income of £4bn in 2022. Moreover, the industry’s overall contribution to the UK economy was £6.7bn in terms of gross value added.
The power and value of music is also recognized by the UK government in its excellent National Plan for Music Education (June 2022). This sets out an ambitious and positive pathway to allow every child to learn to sing or play a musical instrument by 2030, driven by local music hubs.
In this celebrity-obsessed world, what would children prefer – being in a band smashing out killer riffs on an electric guitar at Glastonbury or quietly playing in the second row of the violas at the Barbican?
Classical Error
So music makes you happy, boosts the economy, and the government is right behind it. So everything is good? Well, sadly, if you are a fan of classical music, things don’t look so great.
The harsh facts of the matter are as follows:
- Unless your parents can afford to buy you private music lessons outside of school, the chances of you learning an orchestral instrument in the state sector are slim.
- Many music hubs (the local education groups set up to teach and promote music) have rooms and warehouses full of unused violins, clarinets, flutes, cellos, and every other orchestral instrument sitting waiting for a student to borrow. As years drift by, fewer and fewer students want to pick them up.
- It can take five years to learn to play a violin, averaging an hour a day of practice to become moderately competent. That’s about 2,000 hours. To get to level three of a video game can take you two hours. If you were a teenager, what would you do?
- Many secondary schools focus music teaching on non-classical genres – bhangra, indie, pop, rock, blues, techno, dubstep. All are important genres, of course, but classical music sits at the bottom of the priorities of so many schools.
- Many schools simply do not have the resources. The music room of a local school near me consists of a drum kit, a few keyboards, and a wide range of electronic mixing desks. Electronic music production using loops is the only thing on offer. There is not a page of sheet music in sight.
- There is a skills deficit. The national plan for music is a laudable ambition, but if a primary school doesn’t have a teacher who can play a piano or a guitar, no amount of targets will facilitate the teaching of the topic.
- An image issue. There is a rather cruel saying in the jazz guitar world that also applies to classical music: “A rock guitarist can learn three chords and often plays to an audience of thousands, whereas a jazz guitarist has to learn a thousand chords and plays to an audience of three.” In this celebrity-obsessed world, what would children prefer? Being in a band smashing out killer riffs on an electric guitar at Glastonbury or quietly playing in the second row of the violas at the Barbican?
Classical music is becoming a niche activity. It probably won’t die completely, but it is slowly drifting towards being an elitist pastime and a posh night out for posh people at posh locations.
Beyond Music Education
The decline of classical music as we know it doesn’t just lie with schools and music education. We live in a multicultural society, and every school needs to service its own community. Does the teaching of a Mozart concerto have a place in a school that is mostly populated by Asian children whose culture is filled with wonderful bhangra music? Perhaps not. Does a community with a Caribbean heritage full of uplifting reggae music need to learn Shostakovich?
Should we care? It depends on whether you think classical music is important. It depends if you believe that learning to play an instrument is valuable and rewarding. It depends if you think those big orchestral sounds behind so many pop songs are needed. And it depends if you think those epic orchestral sounds behind every movie you have ever watched matter.
In many respects, classical music can be compared to a Shakespeare play – sometimes challenging to understand, but culturally precious and wonderfully deep and complex.
The future for classical music does matter. And we shouldn’t simply stand by and watch classical music education die a slow death.
Ray Coyte plays classical double bass in a number of orchestras.