Classical Music is Dying

Why isn’t classical music more popular in the United States?

According to an article in Pulse Chamber Music from May 2018, there are several reasons.

They claim classical music puts people to sleep, which is why rock concerts are so popular. Frankly, one can’t sleep in a rock concert because of the constant noise. It has nothing to do with being more entertaining, it is just loud. But loud doesn’t equal good music. In fact, in many cases being loud detracts from the quality of the music.

They say the younger generation does not enjoy classical music and site several reasons:

1) “The younger generation does not enjoy classical music. There are several reasons for this. Possibly because young people have never been exposed to such music as children, their parents also may not like classical music.” Okay, I can buy that. When several generations of people grow up not being exposed it, naturally there will be a decline.

2) “Teens find the music boring and cannot relate to it.” See above. It’s boring because no one explains it to them. Education is the key.

3) “The advent of pop music and rock music with easily relatable lyrics is easier for teens to appreciate.” Sorry, I don’t believe this is true. Most opera houses in the US have supertitles or subtitles which makes the story easy to follow. Many places have operas specifically geared to younger audiences and there are education programs in place to teach the stories. The problem is that many schools ignore these programs.

4) “The media, including movies, television shows and video games also all promote modern non-classical music.” Now this is really absurd. Many, many television programs, even commercials, have classical music in them. Even cartoons used it. How many of us grew up with Bugs Bunny cartoons such as “What’s Opera Doc?” But back then, classical music was considered important. Children learned about classical music through cartoons, television shows, radio broadcasts. And you know what? It worked!

Pulse Chamber Music says “The teenagers and young adults today tend to have short attention spans, crave instant gratification and expect to do everything fast. Thus, for them listening to slow music that lasts a long time seems to be a waste of time.” Yes, I absolutely agree. Kids can’t sit still for more than five minutes. When a generation of kids are taught that instant gratification is their right, we’re in trouble. How about limiting use of their electronic devices and monitoring their time on the computer. I might also point out that not all classical music is slow.

“Classical music would be more popular if schools had adequate music programs. However, the reality today is that many schools do not have the funding for musical instruments and in some cases the music and arts program may be eliminated due to budget cuts.” Well, this is true. But until music is considered an essential part of the school day the funding will never be found. When a school cuts costs, one of the first things to go is music. At the same time, those schools complain that math scores are down. Well duh, get music back. Music teaches math! In addition, many schools do not take advantage of the educational programs opera houses offer. I remember the Met Opera coming to my primary school and doing a performance in our auditorium. I loved it when they came to school. If you're interested in looking into this, or want to encourage your child's school to do so, here is the website: https://www.metguild.org/index.aspx

“If students were learning to play musical instruments, then they would have a better appreciation and respect for classical music.” Absolutely. The way to get kids interested in something is by having them do it. I remember being marched down to the auditorium in 5th grade, handed a violin and I learned to play it. That opened my eyes to a whole different world.

“Another reason for the decrease in popularity in classical music and attendance at such concerts are the strict rules of behavior in place. A person cannot applaud during the concert and even coughing is frowned upon. Young people may find that this stifling atmosphere is unappealing and intimidating to them.” Seriously? Isn’t this like saying it’s okay to be rude? Isn’t it time younger people learned that there are rules that need to be obeyed in all walks of life? No one says a person can’t applaud at all. But there are times when it’s appropriate and when it’s not, and people cough all the time in the theater. If you develop a hacking cough that’s disruptive, have the good sense to leave until you feel better.

The article concludes that it’s a shame younger people don’t want to listen to classical music and then it blames society and a culture that doesn’t encourage them to listen to it. I agree with this assessment. It is a shame. But until parents and schools realize that music teaches everything else, nothing will improve. Music grounds a person, it calms them, it transcends all the bad things a child comes across. Just as schools think physical education is necessary, music is absolutely a necessity. Just as students are required to take gym classes, they should be required to take music classes and learn an instrument.

I encourage you to teach your children classical music, have them take up an instrument. Learn about it yourself! It will never be a waste of time.