Rowman & Littlefield Publishers The Crisis of Classical Music in America: Lessons from a Life in the Education of Musicians

The Crisis of Classical Music in America by Robert Freeman focuses on solutions for the oversupply of classically trained musicians in America, problem that grows ever more chronic as opportunities for classical musicians to gain full-time professional employment diminishes year upon year. An acute observer of the professional music scene, Freeman argues that music schools that train our future instrumentalists, composers, conductors, and singers need to equip their students with the communications and analytical skills they need to succeed in the rapidly changing music scene. This book maps a broad range of reforms required in the field of advanced music education and the organizations responsible for that education. Featuring a foreword by Leonard Slatkin, music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Crisis of Classical Music in America speaks to parents, prospective and current music students, music teachers and professors, department deans, university presidents and provosts, and even foundations and public organizations that fund such music programs. This book reaches out to all of these stakeholders and argues for meaningful change though wide-spread collaboration. Review [Freeman] is undoubtedly one of the most respected and influential scholars to provide insights on the past, present, and future of classical music education in American colleges. . . .Freeman's writing is accessible to readers both inside and outside of academia. Some of the issues discussed in the book are quite personal (growing up in a musical family) and specific to the schools where Freeman worked (certain curriculum reforms). This book benefits, however, from Freeman's experience and positions in professional classical music circles in America, and is valuable documentation of the development of classical music education in this country. Compared to other available books on classical music education (many of which focus on teaching methodology or the educational perspectives involved in sustaining a performing career), Freeman's book provides more well-rounded insights. Lay audience members who are interested in the classical music industry and music education in the United States, as well as prospective professional musicians, will find this book extremely informative.--Notes: Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association Along with wisdom that only a leader like him can have, I like much of what he says in passing. For example, he points out that though music is more widely disseminated than ever before and more people are studying it, the range before and more people are studying it, the range of interpretation has actually narrowed . The standards are higher than ever, but few are willing to take risks or put much personality into their playing. He also mentions that music historians (his training) have contributed to that by narrowing interpretive possibilities. He says that in any style or period 'there is a broader latitude of dynamic, articulative, and agogic possibilities' than the musical notation can possibly indicate. . . .[Robert] has pointed out problems in a very convincing way-as only a top music educator could do. For that he deserves our thanks.--American Record Guide Any involved in music or music education will find fascinating and revealing this survey revealing how an overabundance of classically-trained musicians in America is causing employment issues for all. It considers the underlying causes of the dilemma, maintains that music schools need to include wider education if they are to succeed in changing the poor results for classically-trained musicians after graduation, and it considers a range of reforms in education.--Midwest Book Review As its title suggests, this book exposes a serious situation, one Freeman is especially qualified to address. A graduate of Harvard and Princeton, he served as director of the prestigious Eastman School of Music, president of New England Conse