User:Boguslavmandzyuk/Sandbox/Classical training (music)

Classical training in music is an approach to music education that teaches classical music, or otherwise uses Western music traditions as a means to master musical skills and techniques. It is an umbrella term used to refer to many different methods of teaching Classical music. A musician who has studied under this approach is said to be classically trained. It is also called Western classical music pedagogy. The alternatives to classical training include being "self-taught", as well as training in one of the many non-western traditions of music.

"Definition" of classical training

A classically trained musician is trained in the classical music tradition. Classically trained musicians have a curriculum, or repertoire, consisting of European art music. Classical musician are required to undergo a rigorous training in order to learn to read and play complex music of the classical tradition. Music is learned for the purpose of preparing the musician to play more difficult music. Scales and technical exercises are done to be able to play complex music. Classical training seeks to avoid the formation of bad habits in musicians, placing an emphasis on building technique right from the start.

Classical training emphasizes the ability to read musical notation, the ability to sight read notated music, the study of music theory, the study of music history, and ear training, to gain the ability to play by ear.

Pedagogical methods

Some well known pedagogical methods that classically train musicians include the Kodály Method and the Suzuki method.

Examinations

Although they are by no means a defining component of classical training, examinations have become a common component of classical training. Examples ABRSM in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.

In other music disciplines

Some forms of music education combine classical training with other methods. For example, educational ensembles of vocal jazz, a component of Jazz education, combines classical traditions of Western Art Music, the vocal and instrumental traditions of jazz, and the pedagogical influence of jazz education. Some very successful jazz musicians have had classical training. However, apart from their classical training, these musicians must also understand improvisation and have extensive experience in jazz to sound "authentic". Examples include jazz pianists Herbie Hancock and John Coltrane. Folk musicians often study their instrument through classical training, before moving on to perform folk music (such as Fiddle). Performers of music may also have classical training. For example, Jane Scarpantoni is a classically trained cellist.

Criticism

Classical training in music is criticized for being "artificial", as opposed to sounding "authentic", because music is learned for the purpose of learning more difficult music.

See also

The term "classical training" can also refer to:

• Classical acting training
• Classical education movement
• Classical ballet training