What a fun project!!

[thalberg]

Two very dear friends of mine are starting a project where they will mail 2000 free CDs of classical music to schools where arts funding is being cut.  This is a problem we have here in America where classical music is in trouble

Thought some might enjoy their cute little video:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/55001843/piano-carnival-cd-classical-music-and-stories-for?ref=live

Also, I'm interested -- do you all think classical music is dying?

(To moderators -- while it is possible to pledge money to this project through the above link, I'm not trying to be a solicitor or anything.  I've been a member here for 6 years and I'm just sharing this.  If it violates any policies, I apologize and you are free to remove it.)

[Bob]

Not to poop on anyone's parade here...

Interesting idea.  But is just mailing off a CD going to cut it?  And only 2,000?  How many schools are there?  

Will the CD ever actually be played?  With kids paying attention and not just in the background?  Would the kids need anything more than just a listen through of it?

It sounds like they're thinking on their side, but not so much on the kid/school side.

Haha... Actually, say it's successful... That sounds like a good reason to cut music teachers.  Why pay someone when you can just pop in a free CD and get the same results?


I really doubt it would any impact.  I know one school that was throwing that kind of free "All kids should know this, please make a brief presentation about this" type of material away.


And their CD is two stories with 20 excerpts?  At least they don't mention wanting to save a music program that way.  Maybe a listen through would generate some audience members at some point in the future.  

It sounds like they've got their side's project mapped out, but there's nothing guaranteed on the kid/school side.


... And what would that CD be played on?  They mention quality music experiences but... Esp. if there's no music teacher... I think a cheapy boombox in a classroom would probably be the thing.  Not great for sound quality.  Maybe with some headphones....

[thalberg]

Well, I've heard portions of the script and the CD sounds very entertaining.  Personally I would enjoy it and I'd be happy if my piano students listened to it.  For $10 what more can you expect?

[Bob]

I agree on that, but is it really going to have the impact they're looking for?


Or... They're aware of that but it's still a project for them and another way to get publicity?

[thalberg]

Well, what they're doing is an inherently good thing.  Making an appealing classical music CD for children.  Can we begrudge them any recognition or benefit they derive from it?

Also, I listened to a radio show where they asked listeners to call in and share how their love of classical music started.  Surprisingly, many of the classical music lovers who attended concerts and bought CDs (but were not musicians themselves) had learned to love classical music by watching Saturday morning cartoons (which contained classical music).

So, classical music in an entertaining format can indeed create concert audience members in the future.  Is one CD going to change the whole world?  Well not all by itself, but you gotta start somewhere!!  If there's a snowball effect, it will be a good thing

[jlh]

Also, considering 99% of children's music CD's are completely worthless and very low quality.. (have you listened to any recently?) this project, produced by musicians at the top of their game, sounds like a great idea!  I've met Jeanne Schumann and heard her play many times.  She doesn't NEED publicity.. her numerous international awards speak for her.  I would love for my students to hear her project!

Best,
Josh