Classical music. Can this frequently uttered statement really be representative?

[Neil McCauley]

I suppose it’s inevitable that listening to BBC Radio 4 for about 12 hours per day, every day when I’m designing that I’ll be swayed in some way or at least have my perception skewed by over-exposure. What I’m thinking of here is the seemingly frequent comment, from both sides of the ‘divide’ to the effect that ‘Classical music is dead white man’s music’

Now then, I've heard this uttered as a statement of fact by some, as a phrase of contempt by others, as a sign of weary resignation by others and so on.

Personally, I hope this isn’t the case. But quietly, a long way back in my head, I’m wondering. I’m not talking here about the paucity of notably prominent non-white classical composers nor the fact that it’s nigh on impossible to buy new classical vinyl. It's more than that.

Could this statement in any guise be a reflection of what does and doesn’t go on regarding music tuition in schools today? Is it that the new breed of utterly politically correct teachers find it easier to relate to ‘street music’ etc? Can anyone enlighten me re this? Thanks. H

[Welder]

I don’t think many schools teach music any more Howard.
You and I and others of our age were lucky. I think you’ll find things have changed a bit.

[MartinT]

Taking a look around the Festival Hall during concert seasons or the Albert Hall during a Prom, I think that statement is easily refuted. Young people and people of all ethnic persuasions in attendance.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Good music tuition in schools is becoming increasingly rare.
I'm forever grateful that the schools my daughter attended just a couple of short years ago had fantastic facilities and music teachers with both the passion to teach a subject well and the ability to deliver. As a result, she ended up as principle cellist in the county youth orchestra which was organised by those same teachers in their spare time. They played concerts programmed with a good mixture of mostly classical, but also some other music (probably designed to keep some of the parents' attention during performances!).
However, I expect that nowadays that what's left after the political party who made vows about 'education, education & education' will be decimated by the shower that we are now afflicted with.

P.S. My favourite quote about classical music is by Frank McKinney Hubbard - that it's "the kind that we keep thinking will turn into a tune".

[Tim]

Taking a look around the Festival Hall during concert seasons or the Albert Hall during a Prom, I think that statement is easily refuted. Young people and people of all ethnic persuasions in attendance.
I'll definitely agree with that, especially in and around London. I certainly notice a large number of Asian attendees at The Barbican and look at the number of young stars in the big orchestras that come from Asian countries. Some of the young musicians coming from China are astonishing - very talented and highly motivated, but they have the support they need and the work ethic that we seem to lack.

[magiccarpetride]

‘Classical music is dead white man’s music’


To me personally, the above statement is as stupid as saying that 'jazz is dead black man's music'. I mean, come on, all kinds of people from all meridians play, compose, write, listen to, dance to and enjoy all kinds of music. Music is not a sports discipline, it is not a competition. It is to be enjoyed, no gold medals, no stats, no bets.

[Neil McCauley]

To me personally, the above statement is as stupid as saying that 'jazz is dead black man's music'. I mean, come on, all kinds of people from all meridians play, compose, write, listen to, dance to and enjoy all kinds of music. Music is not a sports discipline, it is not a competition. It is to be enjoyed, no gold medals, no stats, no bets.

I agree 100%. H