3/10/2017

The Gradual Languish In Musical Talent

By Jennifer McDonald


The music industry is not what it used to be. Headlines often despair over the erosion of revenue now that downloads are replacing CD sales, and online file sharing often eliminates the need to spend any money. Any media business is vulnerable to technology changes and consumers switching to competing forms of entertainment, but I have to wonder if music with mass appeal that could bring in big sales is even being produced. Where actually is musical talent hiding?

Although the old stereotype of music teachers and tutors reflects a stodgy grown-up teaching elementary school-age children how to play the violin or tickle the ivories, in reality there are many opportunities for high school and college students. Younger children often respond better to people closer to their age. The teen is also closer in time to learning music theory and remembering different tricks and tips on how they learned to play their instrument of choice.

I am not saying that musical geniuses no longer exist. I am certain that they are out there, but I don't see them presented or marketed to mass audiences. Without great gift, how can the music industry hope to revitalize sales and nurture new icons?

Back in 1967, when the Jimi Hendrix Experience had its first album Are You Experienced? On the British charts at number three, the Beatles at the same time had the number one spot. Can you possibly image such revolutionary albums being out today? And at the same time? Where is the music talent hiding - or languishing - and why does it not seem to be breaking out and catching on with mass audiences?

Travelling orchestras organized through band and fine arts camps seek out high school students who can play well and want to spend the summer on tour in Europe. They offer students a chance to travel and see the world while honing their musical skills and learning more about a professional career as a musician. International programs typically seek out students who have good manners, have a solid character, and are responsible and mature.

Musical toys should be a part of every preschool toy chest. Playing with music is fun for kids. In addition, the approach of using learning toys takes much of the pressure off parents during these younger years. There are many interactive toys that feature tone and rhythm, as well as those that actually allow a young child to create their own music combinations.

When I was growing up in the 1980s, I would listen to the radio or watch MTV. When I heard something I liked, then I would probably buy it at the store. As I recall, MTV pretty much stopped showing music videos in the early 1990s. As for radio, most stations these days play oldies, classic rock, and light mixes. This is a profitable formula, but how is new music going to be marketed to a mass audience unless it is presented to a mass audience? When the Beatles were exploding on to the American scene, they were on the radio.

Teens with promising talent in music and who have demonstrated musical interest and have taken advanced training or have involved themselves in tours, camps and tutoring programs are often the first to receive music scholarships for college.




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