Some may say that classical music is outdated and because of that, young people aren’t interested. But that contradicts everything I have seen in my profession and everyone I’ve talked to who works closely with students, both in and out of the music industry. Having had the opportunity to meet and teach children of all ages and from all backgrounds, from very small towns lacking music programs in schools to wealthy areas with plenty of arts funding, I have yet to meet a single one who was not genuinely interested in classical music when you discard all of the artificial, “classical” rules that usually accompany it. Thankfully, this “classical” classical music of the 20th century is dying.
Let me know what you think of this point of view in the comments section below.
12tonemusic 
I agree with the intent of the author’s post. Making music interactive and alive could definitely be a draw for audiences of varying ages. I’m sure if could make it more memorable and *fun* for the musicians involved as well.
People go to concerts and shows for their own reasons, and experience music differently, depending on their personalities and needs. I think that placing an artificial screen between audiences and performers is a potential hindrance to a full experience of the music and setting.
Its not classical, but when my wife and I went to see Marcus Miller for our anniversary a few years ago, we were met with the same interplay between band and audience as when we attend shows from bands like Gospel of the Witches or Behemoth. The crowd supplies the band with a type of energy, and the band responds to it, creating a symbiotic relationship that I think rewards both parties through energy and interactivity.
If classical performances are lacking this element, its entirely possible that it could create an atmosphere of sterility that some might enjoy, but others would find less engrossing, and thus lessen their chances of attending more concerts with a similar structure. I think that *musicians* might be better able to sit quietly through a performance than a random music fan, but that probably highlights the problem. The audience isn’t likely made up of a majority of musicians at most performances. Making them appeal to a larger crowd will require accommodating a broader range of behaviors and shows of appreciation.
LikeLike
Vishalicious,
Thank you for a very well thought out and articulated response.
Sincerely,
Mike
LikeLiked by 1 person