Is the Lack of Music Education to Blame for the Deluge of Bad Music in Pop Culture?
Many have blamed the declining standards of music in pop culture on budget cuts that have eliminated music education from schools. While it’s true that the public’s ears are not particularly advanced, making music that resonates with a majority challenging, the fact is that music education is not solely the answer. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this issue.
The Public's Musical Ear: Constraints and Expectations
Years ago, as a teacher in a pop songwriting class, I advised my students to “Write for people with a sixth-grade music education.” This meant understanding that the audience’s musical knowledge is not extensive. The general public has developed a preference for certain song structures and chords. Length, for instance, plays a crucial role; audiences expect songs to be concise, typically not exceeding 3-4 minutes. Anything longer may result in audience fatigue.
Chord progressions dictate the musical landscape of pop music. Common progressions like I-IV-V are widely accepted, while extreme dissonance that fails to resolve to a cadence often leaves a negative impression. Listeners may not be able to articulate why, but such music simply doesn’t resonate with them. Similarly, verse-chorus-verse structures are familiar and repetitive, which the public finds comforting. Even though these forms have evolved over time, the essence of simplicity and predictability remains crucial.
Music Education: A Shotgun Solution?
Some argue that the decline in music education has contributed to the current state of music. However, even with robust music education, the transformation of listening habits and public expectations is not guaranteed. Music is in a perpetual state of evolution. The older generation’s consternation over new music reflects a perpetual struggle, a cyclic process of new and old standards replacing one another.
Advanced music education can certainly help aspiring musicians navigate the complexities of composition and arrangement. However, it doesn’t inherently change the fundamental expectations of the public. These expectations are shaped by ongoing cultural and psychological trends rather than educational institutions.
The Role of Big Business and Record Labels
On a deeper level, the issue lies not just with music education but with how the music industry capitalizes on talent. The current pop music formula can be seen as a consequence of big business prioritizing profit over art. Music contracts are often designed to enrich record labels at the expense of skilled musicians. This has created a system where musicians with only a modicum of talent are exploited, leading to formulaic and uninspired music.
The myth perpetuated by talent shows like “America’s Got Talent” has misled aspiring musicians into thinking that they have a chance to become successful without real business acumen. In reality, these shows are often tools for record companies to identify individuals with talent but lack the business skills needed to navigate the industry, leading to exploitation and disappointment.
A Call for Renewal and Soulful Innovation
The deluge of bad music reflects the spirit of our times—cynicism, boredom, and despair. Modern composers often seek to shock and offend rather than inspire. While more musical training won’t necessarily help, a renewed soulful approach to music composition might. True innovation in music comes from a deep understanding of both tradition and innovation, reflecting the complex emotions and realities of our world.
Music education, while important, is not the panacea. A combination of artistic depth, business savvy, and a refreshed sense of morality in the music industry is crucial to elevating the quality of pop music. Only then can we hope to see a significant improvement in the current state of music.