The Crisis of Classical Music in America

Lessons from a Life in the Education of Musicians

By (author) Robert Freeman

Not available to order

Publication date:

14 August 2014

Length of book:

270 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442233034

The Crisis of Classical Music in America by Robert Freeman focuses on solutions for the oversupply of classically trained musicians in America, problem that grows ever more chronic as opportunities for classical musicians to gain full-time professional employment diminishes year upon year. An acute observer of the professional music scene, Freeman argues that music schools that train our future instrumentalists, composers, conductors, and singers need to equip their students with the communications and analytical skills they need to succeed in the rapidly changing music scene. 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 speaks to parents, prospective and current music students, music teachers and professors, department deans, university presidents and provosts, and even foundations and public organizations that fund such music programs. This book reaches out to all of these stakeholders and argues for meaningful change though wide-spread collaboration.
As its title suggests, this book exposes a serious situation, one Freeman is especially qualified to address. A graduate of Harvard and Princeton, he served as director of the prestigious Eastman School of Music, president of New England Conservatory, and dean of the College of Fine Arts, University of Texas. But he is also a successful performer, so he is able to offer an insightful assessment of the world of classical music as a professional musician as well as an academic insider. He examines in depth how universities and conservatories are graduating numerous fine performers, conductors, and music scholars who endure arduous training only to find, upon graduation, that few job opportunities exist. Freeman issues a clarion call for honesty and realism from the educators and other stakeholders who help music students decide where and what to study and what to expect. Thinking outside the box, he offers constructive advice for everyone from parents and students to deans and provosts who seek to improve conditions. He also suggests ways of enhancing musics benefit to society. This is an invaluable resource for potential and current music students, music professors, administrators, and professional performers. Summing Up: Essential. All readers.