My Love Hate Relationship With Classical Music

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         When I was in elementary school a string quartet from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra gave a presentation at my school and played for us. After I saw that I was hooked. I wanted to play a string instrument, and eventually chose the viola (I was told everyone needed a viola). After years of studying, and performing something in me clicked. I felt like classical musicians had sticks up their behinds and the nuances that came with playing classical music hindered a musician's ability to reach their full potential. These are all my opinions, and I'd like to preface I still love to listen to classical music.

        One of the things that always bugged me with classical music was the concept of “making a piece your own”. This is WILD. I've had so many lessons where teachers have told me this. The concept is basically for you to play a piece that is over 600 years old, has been played by millions, and somehow you have to add your own “flare” to it. Usually the student ends up playing the piece just as the teacher wants so this idea is dumb to begin with. There's little room for creativity when you're playing something that already has creative direction.

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        Another thing that turned me off from pursuing a career in classical music was musical perfection. I've sat in clinics, concerts, festivals, and one thing that always seemed to be a constant was EVERYONE striving to play every single note perfect. I've seen musician's faces fill full of dread/self deprecation, seen people run out of concert halls, and throw temper tantrums all because of some fudged notes. I've also sat with musicians and listened to records while they scanned orchestral scores following measure by measure listening for errors from their “favorite musicians”. I believe having the idea of perfection in the arts is very detrimental to artistic growth. How else can you grow, and learn if you're kicking yourself in the head every time a mistake is made?

        The last thing that rubbed me the wrong way about the classical music world was music in other genres was often looked down on. Classical music is filled with elitism. Classical music IS complex, and often times difficult to perform. Modern day pop music probably uses a 1/10 of music theory education, and doesn't rely on instruments heavily. I believe because music is produced electronically classical musicians believe you don't necessarily have to have musical talent, but good computer comprehension. I believe this attitude comes from classical musicians lack of being able to adapt to different styles of music. Most of the time the music is written for them. Skills like improvisation are not necessary tools to have to perform classical music.

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        Don't get me wrong I love classical music. If I wasn't classically trained I wouldn't be able to create the music I do now, or be able to work with other musicians so well. I always encourage classical musicians to play/make other kinds of music because it really just opens them up to be a better musician. Playing with people that can't read music, or play imperfectly will teach you things. The music education that comes with being “classically trained” is essential for some, and a crutch for others.