Art and music are basic human capabilities. Humankind and art cannot operate without one another. We've got the burning yearning to create, whatever it may be and however little or grand. The connection with sound is inevitable, either to make it or get pleasure in it. People have always found music significant in their lives, whether for enjoyment in listening, the psychological response, performing, or making. This is no different for classical music or contemporary concert music. Both musics have immense worth for our society; however, the issue we all know in this field is that this music is unknown and hence under-appreciated. As a musician and artist it is my responsibility that others can discover how to enjoy the art for which I have utter passion.
It goes without saying that in mainstream American culture, concert music is not a large part of people's lives. There are still stigmas that add to this, in addition to practices of the government during the past 20 years (declining music instruction in schools on the local level, resistance to increased NEA funding and fewer visibility of the arts at the national level; let us hope that administration will proceed to reverse these trends).
Lots of people may still think that classical music is for the rich, older, and the well-educated. Others may feel awkward about attending classical music events because they feel as if they need to act and dress a specific way in order to enter the concert or recital hall. All the more, the pretentiousness and elitism that many artists exhibit is amplified by some tv programs, commercials, plays, books, by people of influence and even themselves, which distance musicians from mainstream society.
While some of this is valid, as with nearly any stereotype, it's not entirely true. With the impression that concert music has on society, the bulk decide that it is not for them just because they believe it possesses no relevance or worth for their lives. This is further compounded by the past government's absence of interest in promoting and supporting the arts, whether it is to fund arts organizations or arts education.
Now, the present government give us hope and we have seen evidence of its commitment; but most importantly our American society must realize that everyone is able to find worth and delight in live concert music.
It goes without saying that in mainstream American culture, concert music is not a large part of people's lives. There are still stigmas that add to this, in addition to practices of the government during the past 20 years (declining music instruction in schools on the local level, resistance to increased NEA funding and fewer visibility of the arts at the national level; let us hope that administration will proceed to reverse these trends).
Lots of people may still think that classical music is for the rich, older, and the well-educated. Others may feel awkward about attending classical music events because they feel as if they need to act and dress a specific way in order to enter the concert or recital hall. All the more, the pretentiousness and elitism that many artists exhibit is amplified by some tv programs, commercials, plays, books, by people of influence and even themselves, which distance musicians from mainstream society.
While some of this is valid, as with nearly any stereotype, it's not entirely true. With the impression that concert music has on society, the bulk decide that it is not for them just because they believe it possesses no relevance or worth for their lives. This is further compounded by the past government's absence of interest in promoting and supporting the arts, whether it is to fund arts organizations or arts education.
Now, the present government give us hope and we have seen evidence of its commitment; but most importantly our American society must realize that everyone is able to find worth and delight in live concert music.
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Learn more about Live Music in Bristol. Stop by Audrey C. Howell's site where you can find out all about Bristol Music Venue and what it can do for you.
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