Are the Arts in decline?

The fact is that many steady paying careers for hornists and other classical musicians in America are with symphony orchestras or smaller groups. These organizations are constantly facing funding issues.

Sad as it is, this can be a serious turn off for aspiring classical musicians. I.E.: years of heartfelt and hard study only to be faced with unemployment. So where does that leave us?

Many classical musicians end up putting their careers on the back burner while "making a living". What drives all of this is a lack of general interest. Granted, there are exceptions and those lucky enough to play in this kind of community should cherish it! It is becoming a rare and very special kind of community.

The demographic has changed as the audience has aged over the last couple of decades. And that is not such a good thing IMHO.

You see, the same people who have always enjoyed classical concerts from their local symphonies remain loyal, and in many cases are enjoying their golden years in life as they joyfully attend concerts. However, this beloved audience is fading and replacement interest is lacking and thus replacement funding.

Why the lack of interest from younger audiences? Because classical music is dry, stiff and boring?! I think not. I think it is because they are unaware of what classical music is, what it means, and how to appreciate it.

It would take a large effort to raise awareness.

This is the age of YouTube. The ideas of people collaborating and sharing are bound to have a profound effect on classical music as well. I'll see if I can do my part, but I'm optimistic that the Internet will have a bigger positive impact on Classical music than we have yet imagined =)

Robert Douglass

HornRoller.com
RobsHouse.net