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There ought to be room for both in this world. And I'm not convinved classical music is in its death throes. I think I'm right in saying there's something of a craze for Western classical music in the Tiger economies of SE Asia at the moment. Classical music is flourishing in unexpected places.
I believe strongly that if music education in schools is improved so it consists of more than just buggering about on a keyboard in a practice room for an hour you'll be halfway there. The national curriculum did nothing to nurture my love of classical music because it didn't expose me to the classics. Not all kids will like classical music, but at least give them a chance to! Put some Bartok on at full volume, or some Mahler or even some Beethoven: something that will shatter the image of classical music as "boring". And do this at an early enough age, don't wait till the kids are doing a GCSE or A-level!
Creating a broad-base of understanding amongst the population is the way we need to go. Work from the bottom up.
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http://www.roberthenson.net
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