Wednesday, 15 March 2017

The Gradual Languish In Musical Talent

By Jennifer McDonald


There are many intriguing opportunities for high school students who play musical instruments. By the time students are in high school, most kids have played their instrument of choice for more than a few years. They have mastered a standard scale in all keys and can often sight-read music. High school students are given many opportunities to be tutors, camp counselors, international touring artists and more with their talents. These Musical talent opportunities can lead to college music scholarships, summer jobs, internships, recording contracts and more.

No more do super groups such as Led Zeppelin or the Who emerge to pack stadiums and create fans committed to buying every album. And these days, who can claim to be a part of the next generation of music talent that can inherit the popularity and profits of such creative geniuses as John Lennon or Jimi Hendrix?

For parents seeking a music teacher for their youngsters, an older student is less expensive than a professional and can pass on plenty of valuable information that is sufficient for learning until they know whether their child is serious about music. Not only do the older student teachers enjoy the money, they have additional experience to put on applications for college scholarships.

Back in 1967, when the Jimi Hendrix Experience had its first album Are You Experienced? On the British charts at number three, the Beatles at the same time had the number one spot. Can you possibly image such revolutionary albums being out today? And at the same time? Where is the music talent hiding - or languishing - and why does it not seem to be breaking out and catching on with mass audiences?

I know that times have changed because of the internet. Bands are going directly to music listeners with their own websites and pages on MySpace. This is absolutely fantastic because it allows anyone to throw his or her hat in the ring and get noticed. But how noticed do they get?

Certainly some bands reach thousands of listeners this way and are able to cultivate a modest income, but are the bigger record labels scouring the internet for talent to produce for a mass audience? It does not seem like it to me. I suspect that many producers just want to coach some cookie-cutter talent, apply it to a formula, and expect people to pay $20 for a CD. I guess that no one wants to invest in recruiting genuine creative gift and pay for plenty of studio time to allow genius to flourish.

Nurturing your child's or your own talent in music is a lot like growing a garden. It takes time and patience. As well as attention to the simple things, like coming to lessons each week, attending recitals, developing a practice routine, staying focused on your goals, and believing that one day your dream will come true.

I just shake my head when I hear executives and lawyers for the music industry complain about illegal downloads and dropping CD sales. Maybe if they looked for some fresh talent and let creative minds do what they do best, they could attract new paying consumers who would surely appreciate something new and good to listen and dance to.




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