In light of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra‘s decision to suspend the remainder of their season due to failed negotiations regarding musician compensation, I saw a posting from my former teacher and still good friend Robert Ponto encouraging a discussion regarding that situation and the comments that had been posted on this specific article.  After reading through many of the comments, I found that many people – granted, mostly from the Detroit area – find that “classical” music is irrelevant and a waste of money due to its inability to self-sustain.  Many others were simply demonstrations of disinterest.

I turned back to Mr. Ponto’s post to read the discussion that had developed, and was mildly saddened that the ideas were leaning towards a failed music education system.  While I will not disagree with the majority of the postings, it pains me to think that Mr. Ponto would take the situation so personally as an educator.  I would hate for Mr. Ponto and his colleagues to think they have failed any of their students, for it was they who rekindled my interest in music.  It was they who opened up new doors for me to explore and taught me how to teach myself about this ever-expanding and infinite universe we call music.

While I may have been the one that stayed interested in that world, I did watch as my friends would slowly lose their passion for their craft, though this was by no means restricted to musical studies.  As I learned more, I began to accept that some people just did not have the passion to study music; to inundate their lives with it day in and day out for the rest of their days.  But, while they do not live for the craft, can they not still appreciate it?  Most people tend to really appreciate good food, yet many are unable to even successfully toast a slice of bread.  And, while I do admit that everyone must participate in food consumption to survive, does not everyone also have to participate in music to live?  Somehow I doubt there is anyone that lives in absolute silence…

What I do not quite understand, though, is why so many people find “classical” music irrelevant these days above other types of music?  It’s been with us for centuries, and continues to expand and survive where many other genres of music have fallen by the wayside.  Something keeps it going, but right now it certainly does not seem to be the general populous.  So, I ask to you, the general public, readers of this blog, friend, and family, to tell me why you think “classical” music is no longer relevant.  I want to know what specifically about it keeps you away from turning it on on the radio, buying a recording of it, going to see your local ensemble perform, or simply donating a few dollars to a non-profit ensemble of your choosing.  Is it the style?  The expected/assumed atmosphere?  The venue?  The ensemble?  The atmosphere?  I am really very curious, and I would also like to know what you would like to see changed to make it so you would be more willing to get you interested.  Please post away!