Where is the REAL music?

In response to the notion that classical music is real music and other forms of music are fake.

Colin Bradbury stated in the Guardian that “It is good to see the Guardian praise the Proms, … If only it gave such recognition to real music for the rest of the year.”

He went on to say:

“Fo so many newspapers, the word “music” has become synonymous with pop, while the real thing has been tucked away under the heading “classical”…” Click the link to see the article.

Oh, woe to classical music - Give me a break. This type of attitude that there is ”fake” music and that classical music is the only kind of “real” music is laughable and idiotic. And by the way, I’m a professional classical musician.

If you take the time to understand what Western music is, to its core, it is a combination of sounds and silences organized through durations set by the composer. In addition to this, in Western music (aka most of the music you hear on the radio and in classical) the twelve tones that classical music is comprised of, create a majority of the sounds in pretty much all music you hear.

Look I get it, classical music came first and other forms of Western music like jazz, pop, spirituals, rock, R&B and country (to name a few) came after. However, these genres derive their sounds through the system of the twelve tones and uses the rhythmic divisions to divide sounds and silences just the same as classical music. So guess what, Mr. Bradbury you can’t cry fake. There is no such thing as real music because there is no “fake” music. You can have musical preferences, sure, but this sounds like a snobby, thoughtless remark.

Sadly, this limited viewpoint is shared by others who have committed their lives to classical music. Perhaps there is some bitterness, all that hard work and no recognition or maybe it’s pure snobbery. Whatever the reason may be, it is false, fake news, a lame conspiracy theory.

This man, who happens to be very well known in the classical music industry, wanted more recognition nationally or internationally but wasn’t getting what he wanted. Well, it might be a great moment to think of all the classical musicians out there who have engaged in classical music and were excluded from the powerful elites of classical music. Whether that be recognition, hiring practices, treatment in the work place or representation within the art form.

Let’s face the facts classical music is a niche art form that doesn’t get the attention it deserves and I suspect it is because of the people who have the power over this industry (actually I know!). That doesn’t help someone like myself who makes a living as a classical musician. So what’s a musician to do? I think listening to what the public says can be a start.

People responded to Mr. Bradbury’s comment in the Guardian - click the link to see the responses.

I also believe that all classical musicians must take a moment to analyze the current state of the arts and figure out how they want to interact with the art form. Here are three thoughts:

Accept that not everyone will be receptive to your art and go digital to expand your reach

Not everyone is going to like your art or you. And it’s fine! The reality is you can’t please everyone; so fine, it is what it is.

Questions to ask one’s self: who do you want to connect to and who naturally is drawn to what you do?

It takes time to build a following. You have to build trust and create your reputation as a musician. In combination with live performances, I say take advantage of the digital world and put that as a primary part of your strategy and effort to reach people and share your music.

Side note: just make sure if you film a piece and upload it online make sure you have it licensed. You can do that by going to the publisher’s website, so add it to your budget. You can build relationships with living composers as well to figure out how you want to negotiate regarding licensing and rights if it’s a newly composed work.

Start off simple with melodic etudes and works after Schoenberg”s death so you can start building your video library and share it without any constraints.

Marketing matters

Sometimes musicians that I know don’t consider adding marketing to their budget and you will need it to reach audiences and attract people in the industry. It’s an investment so don’t avoid it because you don’t understand how to do it or you feel that it won’t work.

Knowing who your potential audiences are and who your loyal followers are is crucial for reaching the right people. You are trying to provide your service to the people who need it the most ( and it’s not everyone and every newspaper or even every social platform).

Consistency in Social Media

Even if you don’t feel like it, I try not to take a huge hiatus from social media (guilty as charged with a million counts) Why? Because if you do, it takes a while for the algorithm to warm back up to you.

Let’s be honest here, social media and the strength of the digital world are NOT going away it is just getting stronger. So do it but have a plan. Pre-write your copy and images and then schedule your posts. Keep it simple, post regularly, and sooner or later you are going to see what you like posting and it will become easier. You will compound your activity and engagement on the platform for your KPIs and see who your followers are. You can also look at what your colleagues are doing and other artists and get inspiration. This is a part of the world we live in, so don’t leave social media out.

Exposure to who YOU are is what ultimately will draw people. What do you have to offer with your art? No one will know unless you share it. You don’t have to be perfect just start doing it and improve each time with each new post. If you go where the people are (mostly everyone is using social media) you will eventually find your loyal followers and community. Don’t get stuck like Mr. Bradbury you don’t need the papers to write about you because there are so many ways for people to notice and connect with you.

There is no such thing as fake music and everyone has to earn their place on the stage.

Own who you are, own your art and don’t be a cry baby.

Medina - out!