Is Music Dying Off?

With the Internet invasion, the poor economy, and nothing new coming from composers who are gone, orchestras across the country have been struggling to survive. Is the population of orchestra concertgoers just simply dying off? And, if so, why? Why are there not more young music lovers attending great orchestra concerts? Why are people not interested in hearing the great symphonies? Pop music sales are down, but people are still listening.

I do not know a lot of people outside my family that regularly go to orchestra concerts or other “classical” music venues. Most of my friends before college had never even been to an orchestra concert (a concert doesn’t count if you are performing in it), and I always wondered why none of their parents took them right downtown. The Rochester Orchestra & Chorale had concerts about once a month from October to April, and tickets were cheap. I went to every one of those concerts until I left for college. Even a number of my music-majoring peers had not been to a professional orchestra concert until our theory class went with Mozart scores in hand.

Several decades ago, conductors were part of “popular society.” Nowadays, people don’t even know their names. Few people know that Leonard Bernstein did more than write West Side Story—he directed the New York Philharmonic, wrote books, and played piano.

The shrinking concert attendance cannot be only from the economy; even when concerts are free, there is never a full house. Even though orchestras typically only get around 35% of their revenue from ticket sales, the large amounts of donations and sponsors are holding back money in the rough economy.

Maybe people think they’ve heard it all before: “what new could I possibly hear this time?” Yes, a horrible attitude to have about music. Live performances are the best places to find the new in the old. What is this orchestra doing to bring out different aspects of the piece? Are they playing it at the same tempo as everyone else? But are people bored? There are plenty of 20th- and 21st-century composers and concerts showcasing their works that people could get a taste of the new. But those concerts aren’t highly attended either. Orchestras are trying new strategies: what can be done to get more people to concerts? There was an article in The Ledger on October 1st that discussed some of the new tactics.

The internet allows people to download their favourite movement(s) of a piece, so why not do what The Imperial Symphony Orchestra will be doing: opening their season with a concert only playing the most recognised movements of orchestral works that include 5 in their title. But will it actually draw more people? How are you supposed to advertise to people who don’t normally read your advertisements or listen to the radio stations that play your ads? They aren’t going to pay attend just because entire symphonies won’t be performed.

Many have come to the conclusion that music is actually dying this time—a slow painful death. Orchestra concertgoers are typically of the senior crowds, and not being replaced by younger generations, as they are unable to attend concerts any longer, fewer and fewer people fill the concert hall. Why not make it a family event? A lot of small orchestras have kids concerts or family based events. Why are parents not introducing their children to all types of culture?


Will classical music survive this downfall?

Why Are They Writing Music? (or not writing any...)

"Do you ever wonder why there aren't any songs about what's going on?" John Richards asked us.  "There aren't any songs about it, because people are not proud of what's going on." He claimed.

Pride is a good reason to express one's self - but is it really a major reason people do or don't write music these days?  Music is a type of expression - so why would you not express the shame in things that are happening?


Sadness is portrayed by minor sounds; anger by big, pounding chords and bangs; happiness by fleeting melodies--so many emotions, so why exclude some?


People write music to convey the emotions they are feeling.  Maybe they don't want anyone else to know they were experiencing shame. Is there a reason for people to guard themselves, save themselves from embarrassment through music?  But music is a safe place.

So, here's a challenge: express yourself through music so that you are completely vulnerable.


"Life has been your art. You have set yourself to music. Your days are your sonnets." ~Oscar Wilde
"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." ~Billy Joel