Consumer Critique: The Crisis of Classical Music in America

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own. 

Robert Freeman's The Crisis of Classical Music in America: Lessons from a Life in the Education of Musicians takes a look at the problem of students graduating college with a music degree only to find few opportunities in their chosen field. He is the former director of three of the nation's top music schools, and identifies the need to better prepare students to make music the vital force it should be in people's lives. 

This hits close to home. My husband was a music education major from a school with a very good reputation. He never found a full-time job in music - and neither did three of our four closest music-major friends. Education in particular has seen the value of music eroded as testable subjects become more and more important.

This book was partly exploratory, searching for the reasons the importance of music has declined; partly practical, with tips for parents and students seeking to further their musical training. Music can still be a viable career, but it might require creativity and flexibility to make it so.

The book was quite lengthy and involved. It's not an easy, fast read, but it is an important read, especially for anyone with a vested interest in classical music.