Great Expectations

I would like to respond to Mr. Nickel’s post yesterday :
“I want to clarify that I don’t think the entire curriculum for music majors needs to be overhauled. I just would like to see it to offer a class or two that deal with orchestral issues like an analysis of a collective bargaining agreement. When I read Dallas’ CBA, I see some of the history of my orchestra. I see issues that were so important to the musicians that they had to be negotiated, and put into writing. Knowing my CBA can help me understand what lead another orchestra to their CBA. I think the class should also include some basic stuff union stuff (i.e. orchestra committee function, grievances, Robert’s rules, etc), and some labor law.”

I would also be interested in learning about the “other” side of the orchestra, management.” Here at Eastman there is a class offered in the Institute for Music Leadership curriculum titled “Realities of Orchestral Life” taught by Mr. Ramon Ricker which covers exactly those subjects stated. Although it was at times very difficult to hear from professionals in the management and musical sides about how difficult life is for a modern orchestra. We were even treated to a guest lecture by our august moderator Mr. McManus on Collective Bargaining. That was the most eye-opening two hour class I have ever attended.

As we have heard from other contributors ESM is not the only school to see the need to educate students in areas related to the business of music. Hopefully these future musicians can help to reinvigorate the medium of the orchestra. However, what about our roles as educators. I’m sure that everyone on the panel has taught a student or two to supplement income. But how often do we think of the effect that we have on these children. Granted only a small few will continue on to become professional musicians, but we can create an interest in classical music to last a lifetime and also supply us with an audience. After all without warm bodies in the seats we may as well just stay in the practice room.