The Decline of Classical Music Engagement Among Young Adults: A Call for Change
Despite the rich and diverse world of classical music, it is alarming to observe a significant decrease in the level of knowledge and engagement among young adults. The New York Times recently reported that the average age of audiences at the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic is 57—well above the national median lifespan.
This decline is not confined to New York or the United States. A survey conducted by the Minnesota Orchestra in 1955 revealed that the median age of their audience was 35, a figure similar to the median age of the general population at the time. Today, the median age of classical music audiences has more than doubled to 50, significantly higher than the general population.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Several factors contribute to this trend:
Classical Music as Senior Citizens' Entertainment
One of the key barriers is the perception that classical music is primarily for older people. This stereotype persists despite the fact that the industry is predominantly composed of older audiences.
For example, when I take my 29-year-old son to a classical music concert, he feels out of place among the predominantly grey-haired audience. This attitude is exacerbated by the rarity of younger people in the audience, with many concert halls seeing under a dozen young people in a typical audience. This perception can be attributed to the recurrent performancE of works by composers like Mozart and Beethoven, leaving little room for contemporary composers.
Highly Conventional Programming
Another factor is the conservative nature of classical music programming. Symphony orchestras in the U.S. tend to prioritize well-known classics, such as works by Mozart and Beethoven, often to the exclusion of new compositions.
For instance, at the Boston Symphony, over 25% of pieces played during one season were by Mozart or Beethoven. While I appreciate their contributions, this overreliance on familiar and often well-worn pieces can lead audiences to believe that no one is composing music today.
Lack of Education in Schools
Furthermore, the educational system plays a crucial role in nurturing a new generation of music enthusiasts. Unfortunately, high-quality music instruction has largely disappeared from American schools, with many students not even offered such opportunities until the 4th or 5th grade. Even then, these classes are often extracurricular and not mandatory.
European countries, by contrast, have implemented compulsory music education in primary schools, which helps to sustain interest in classical music among young people. In the U.S., it often comes down to whether a child has the chance to learn an instrument, and even then, the opportunity is far from guaranteed.
Potential Solutions
To address this issue, several steps can be taken to reinvigorate interest in classical music among young adults:
Integration of New Music
-Classical music organizations should integrate new compositions into their repertoire more frequently. Regularly featuring works by contemporary composers can help change the perception that classical music is stuck in the past. While this doesn’t need to be as prevalent as in the 1780s when over 90% of music played was new, it could involve incorporating at least one new piece into each concert.
Return of Music Education in Schools
-Reinstating music education in schools is another critical step. By making music instruction a regular part of the curriculum, young people can develop a lifelong appreciation for classical music. European countries have successfully done this, making music a fundamental part of early education.
Promoting Concerts for Young Adults
-Organizers should create special programs targeting younger audiences. By offering special concerts, educational talks, and informal pre-concert discussions, classical music organizations can attract and engage a broader demographic.
Conclusion
The revitalization of classical music engagement among young adults requires a multifaceted approach. By making new music more accessible, reintegrating music education in schools, and creating a more inclusive concert environment, organizations can play a vital role in restoring and expanding the cultural capital of classical music to future generations.