Originally posted by jeremy_norbury:
Obviously different here. In The Netherlands the music schools are run by the city councils and are available to everyone at very reasonable costs.
I believe this highlights the dramatic difference between the European & recent American public education system and what has lead to far less exposure and music appreciation beyond contemporary & commercial hip hop & rap by so many american young people today. When I was growing up, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to many types of music (from classical, jazz, country, to contemporary rock, and world). Yet, I have friends of my same generation in their 30's, who may recognize composer names like: Bach, Hadyn, Glenn Miller, and even the Beatles, but aren't able to recognize songs written by them. I think it's important to not only enjoy the contemporary music of today, but to also become exposed & develop at least some appreciation of music from past generations as well. This gives the listener a deeper appreciation of music in general, because it highlights where we came from and how music has evolved thru the years. Exposure to different styles & genres (from world to jazz to classic, and hip hop/rap) broadens our perspective as musicians as well, giving us new musical ideas to create from.
Interestingly enough, many American Musicians (especially jazz & classical) are finding greater audience interest & appreciation, and greater financial reward, performing in Europe & Japan.
Scott
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