The crisis of classical music in America : lessons from a life in the education of musicians / Robert Freeman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Freeman, Robert, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Music--Instruction and study--United States.

Music.

Music--Instruction and study.

United States.

Music in universities and colleges--United States.

Music in universities and colleges.

Physical Description:

xxv, 243 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Lanham, Maryland : Rowman & Littlefield, [2014]

Summary:

The Crisis of Classical Music in America focuses on solutions for the oversupply of classically trained musicians in America, a problem that grows ever more chronic as opportunities for classical musicians to gain full-time employment diminish. An acute observer of the professional music scene, Robert Freeman describes how this problem has no chance of abating unless music schools equip students with the communication and analytical skills they need to succeed in the rapidly changing landscape for America's music professionals. This book maps a broad range of reforms required in the field of advanced music education and the organizations responsible for that education. Featuring a foreword by Leonard Slatkin, music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Crisis of Classical Music in America is addressed to all of the audiences who both affect and are affected by the problems recorded. Drawing heavily on his own experience as the head of three major music schools, Freeman includes chapters for the parents of children and adolescents who show promise as future musicians, music students themselves, the music teachers and professors who instruct them, the deans of music schools who hire the teachers and professors, the provosts and presidents of colleges and universities who appoint music school deans and directors, the philanthropists and foundation directors who financially support music schools, and the music institutions that employ musicians. Freeman reaches out to all of these stakeholders, arguing that without the thoughtful collaboration of all, little meaningful change can be accomplished. This work will appeal to music students, practicing and professional musicians, music instructors and administrators, and all those hopeful parents who wonder if their child can really make a living as a musician. As Freeman argues: "You can if, while still a student, you can begin to compare your own unique skill set with those of your competitors." Book jacket.

Contents:

The winds of change

Where did musical instruction come from?

My own education

Advice for parents : should your child learn to play the cello?

Advice for collegiate music students : how best to fulfill your dreams

Advice for collegiate music faculty : should all your students aim at Carnegie Hall? Should all your students teach at Harvard?

Advice for music deans : building educational programs for the new century

Advice for provosts and presidents : leadership for the music school of the future

Some suggestions for foundation directors and for the national endowments for the arts and humanities : how to work at increasing demand

Epilogue

Appendix A. How to evaluate music faculty

Appendix B. Convocation address by Robert Freeman.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1442233028

144223301X

9781442233010

9781442233027

OCLC:

873985250

Publisher Number:

99961089114