Rewriting the Score: The Accessibility of Classical Music at UCLA by Isabelle Preston
published on
Everyone seems to have a different perspective about the culture of classical music. It has often been described as rigid, exclusive, elitist, or resistant to change. Aspects of inaccessibility hinder potential musicians and concertgoers alike from getting involved, and its reputation of being boring or stuffy turns some away from the genre entirely. Where is this divide between those involved in classical music and those who feel excluded or uninterested? UCLA has a thriving music school that encompasses a wide variety of genres and interests, and various ensembles and performances are made available to all students and a wider public. In many ways, the School of Music has made strides in making classical music more accessible and welcoming, but there are still areas of improvement.
Students and faculty at UCLA, each with a different relationship to classical music, share their perspectives on the accessibility of classical music, the impact they’ve seen made by the School of Music, and the progress they’d like to see.
Credits: Neal Stulberg, Samuel Chung, Alfredo Morán, member of UCLA Symphony who wishes to remain anonymous
- Genre
- Storytelling