In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days. Why is this? Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?

It is becoming less and less common for students to both listen to and play classical

music

. In my opinion,

this

is the result of changing tastes and it should be countered by concerned parents when possible. The reason fewer young people today opt to listen to or take up playing classical

music

is that there are other, more modern options. In the past, classical

music

helped students gain entrance into elite universities and was a potential career path.

This

is still true but to a lesser extent as the diversification of musical styles and the growth of the

music

industry now allows students to develop skills with

music

more suited to their particular preferences. A young person today is more likely to want to learn the drums to play in a rock group or practice rapping.

This

applies to listening habits as well and is reflected in the dominance of pop

music

. Regardless, it is still advisable for parents to instil a love of classical

music

and encourage playing an instrument.

First

of all, appreciating classical

music

requires greater mental engagement and patience than other popular genres. In an era of shorter attention spans and immediate gratification, a love of complex melodies can serve as a counter-balance.

Secondly

, the benefits of playing an instrument are self-evident. Decades of substantial research support the claims that it aids cognitive development generally and one’s creativity more specifically.

This

is apart from the discipline one must develop through years of intensive practice. In conclusion, though it is natural younger people today opt for more popular genres, there is great value in sustaining an interest in classical

music

. It is

therefore

up to parents to gently encourage

such

a pursuit.