Jan 11 2009

Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

Published by Pat Mullaly at 9:00 am under Current News

Author: Christine Phoenix Green

As a (previously) full time piano/music teacher of over thirty years experience in the school system and private studio, I, as well as many other fine private teachers, have been watching a drastic and devastating trend: The silencing of personally studied music, and the lack of interest of students and their parents in investing time and energy into the experience of music and mastery of a preferred instrument…if not for excellence, than at least for pleasure and delight!

Please notice that even with the severe economic times we are facing now, I did not include the notion that finances are a major part of this trend, for one sure thing I have observed over these past 30  years as a teacher, is that parents will try their very best to give their children the best for their future. What I am seeing is a change in values in what the culture feeds us as important and relevant, that both spurs us on to have more STUFF, and to indulge in an all-consuming and compulsive love affair with technology, gidgets, widgets  and techno-toys that keep us and our children in a state of denial about some of the darker more painful shadows we would rather not deal with. We are losing our sense of beauty, literacy and elegance. And in some instances we are just plain lazy. It is now easier, quicker and perhaps more amusing to download other people’s music (some of it lovely, some of it trash) and to play with the techno-toys and games than it is to spend the sometimes solitary time necessary to use your brain, your imagination and your HEART to make your own music, to learn to discern and delight in the beautiful musical “language” and sounds of the Masters of both historical and contemporary composition.

This trend makes me think of the comparisons between the two ancient Greek cities of Sparta and Athens. Sparta, center of sports and war games,Athens,center of the arts,crafts and music. What are our own values here? Why are so many of our after-school students leaving their piano, flute, violin, cello lessons to be on the field 5 days/nights a week in competitive sports, going back home to hours on the computer to chat or play the latest video game in between getting homework done?  We long-serving teachers of music, loving our craft and loving to share it with others, have watched our dedicated careers of service dwindle and fade away, so that it is practically impossible to support ourselves as musical or artistic mentors.

For myself, my practice has shifted towards teaching adults and Elders who are returning to the piano or coming in finally to fullfil a long-awaited dream of making music for themselves, bringing beauty, delight and pleasure into their lives. Oddly enough, the sense of excitement, dedication and pride in their accomplishments is so wondrously child-like and full of fun that the line in this artistic expression blurs as to who is actually the child and who is the adult! Perhaps it is time in these challenging times of cultural and economic upheaval,to question our priorities and once again experience the simple values of creating beauty, enjoying nature, eating with and talking to each other in our homes and making music together when we gather. We need perhaps, to re-align our own “inner Sparta and Athens”.

Christine Phoenix-Green has been a practicing career piano teacher in South County, RI for over 30 years, and is a Spiritual Director, Retreat Facilitator and Intuitive Guidance Practitioner. As always she is taking new students who desire to learn the piano for pleasure and self-expression.

Email her at: cphoenixrising@earthlink.net

62 responses so far

This website uses IntenseDebate comments, but they are not currently loaded because either your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or they didn't load fast enough.

62 Responses to “Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced”

  1. # paris turfon 29 Nov 1999 at 8:00 pm

    Thank you for the tips. It helped me a lot.

  2. # Liver Cleanse Detoxon 19 Aug 2011 at 9:39 am

    I’ve recently started a web site, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.

  3. # liberty reserveon 20 Aug 2011 at 2:29 pm

    I agree with your midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced, superb post.

  4. # myth defenseon 26 Aug 2011 at 11:45 am

    Thanks i love your article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

  5. # cut the rope gameon 29 Aug 2011 at 7:06 am

    Thanks i love your article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

  6. # cover letteron 29 Aug 2011 at 7:07 am

    Your Article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced Rattling great visual appeal on this website , I’d value it 10 10.

  7. # cover letteron 29 Aug 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Your Article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced Really great visual appeal on this web site , I’d rate it 10 10.

  8. # birthday quoteson 02 Sep 2011 at 12:54 pm

    Thanks i love your article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

  9. # hyipson 05 Sep 2011 at 7:01 pm

    Thanks i love your article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

  10. # new affordable sports carson 05 Sep 2011 at 7:03 pm

    Thanks i love your article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

  11. # email cover letteron 05 Sep 2011 at 7:06 pm

    Thanks i love your article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

  12. # cut the rope onlineon 05 Sep 2011 at 7:11 pm

    Thanks i love your article about midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

  13. # Limousine Service Houstonon 09 Sep 2011 at 8:36 am

    My spouse and i were now satisfied that Michael managed to deal with his web research by way of the ideas he came across out of the web site. It is now and again perplexing to just happen to be giving away secrets some people might have been selling. So we understand we now have the writer to thank for this. The main explanations you made, the simple site menu, the relationships you will help to foster – it’s mostly terrific, and it’s really facilitating our son and our family feel that this subject is fun, and that’s unbelievably fundamental. Many thanks for the whole lot!

  14. # hogan outlet onlineon 19 Sep 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Sorry for the huge review, but I’m really loving the new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews some other people have written, will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

  15. # Jammie Gomoranon 25 Sep 2011 at 6:32 pm

    I must show my gratitude for your kindness giving support to those individuals that should have help on this situation. Your special commitment to passing the solution up and down came to be wonderfully important and has regularly helped most people like me to attain their desired goals. Your own valuable publication entails so much to me and even further to my fellow workers. Many thanks; from all of us.

  16. # Beatris Pfleugeron 06 Oct 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Thank you so much for providing individuals with an extremely terrific opportunity to read critical reviews from here. It really is very nice and also jam-packed with fun for me personally and my office friends to search your website at the very least 3 times weekly to see the fresh things you have got. And of course, I am also actually contented with all the staggering opinions served by you. Some 1 facts on this page are essentially the most suitable we’ve had.

  17. # Irrigation Drip Systemson 12 Oct 2011 at 9:51 pm

    I love meeting useful info, this post midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced has got me even more info! .

  18. # Anaheim locksmithon 16 Oct 2011 at 10:08 pm

    Well I sincerely enjoyed studying it. This information offered by you is very constructive for good planning.

  19. # investmenton 16 Oct 2011 at 10:50 pm

    Outstanding post, you have pointed out some superb points, I besides believe this is a very wonderful website.

  20. # Web Site Builderson 17 Oct 2011 at 7:49 am

    I got what you mean , thankyou for posting .Woh I am glad to find this website midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced through google. “It is a very hard undertaking to seek to please everybody.” by Publilius Syrus.

  21. # Click to Callon 18 Oct 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Very interesting points you have mentioned appreciate it for posting midlifejourney.com » Where Has All the Music Gone? The Sound of Music: Silenced

  22. # locksmithon 19 Oct 2011 at 12:48 am

    I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site :) .

  23. # Ray Rochellon 22 Oct 2011 at 6:09 am

    http://www.think-be.com/2010/archives/822

  24. # hairstyleson 22 Oct 2011 at 9:35 pm

    It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!

  25. # Chadwick Kibodeauxon 27 Oct 2011 at 8:42 am

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So nice to seek out someone with some original ideas on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is one thing that is needed on the net, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the web!

  26. # Altagracia Faireon 29 Oct 2011 at 2:05 pm

    Hi there, just became alert to your weblog through Google, and located that it is really informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels. I will appreciate for those who continue this in future. Many other people shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  27. # plain rugson 03 Nov 2011 at 4:23 am

    Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired! Very useful info specifically the last phase :) I handle such information much. I was looking for this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  28. # Beach Body Couponon 05 Nov 2011 at 10:30 am

    Great post, you have pointed out some good details, I also conceive this is a very good website.

  29. # jyjon 06 Nov 2011 at 4:18 pm

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case Ill be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  30. # hacamaton 08 Nov 2011 at 7:18 pm

    We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  31. # hamileon 09 Nov 2011 at 8:31 pm

    hello there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this web site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this again very soon..

  32. # yabanc? filmon 12 Nov 2011 at 12:03 am

    I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  33. # mbt outleton 14 Nov 2011 at 8:40 am

    You should be a part of a contest for one of the best websites online. For certain I will recommend this blog!

  34. # kayu izleon 18 Nov 2011 at 5:16 am

    I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

  35. # Ucuz Tatilon 21 Nov 2011 at 11:01 am

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

  36. # Ucuz tatil Otellerion 21 Nov 2011 at 11:09 am

    I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  37. # fenerbahceon 22 Nov 2011 at 8:10 am

    I think this is among the most significant information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  38. # Mp3 müzikon 22 Nov 2011 at 8:39 am

    I dont even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!

  39. # bodybuilding.com coupon codeson 22 Nov 2011 at 10:53 am

    Thank you for the good writeup. It actually was a entertainment account it. Glance complicated to more introduced agreeable from you! However, how could we keep up a correspondence?

  40. # realistik mankenleron 23 Nov 2011 at 11:49 am

    I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I’m quite sure Ill learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  41. # eskort izmiron 25 Nov 2011 at 2:06 pm

    It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!

  42. # herbalifeon 28 Nov 2011 at 1:03 pm

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  43. # videolaron 29 Nov 2011 at 6:54 pm

    My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  44. # muzik indiron 03 Dec 2011 at 4:50 pm

    I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

  45. # diets for womenon 04 Dec 2011 at 12:39 am

    I’m still learning from you, and I’m educating myself. I really love reading everything that’s written on your blog. Keep the articles coming. Really enjoy it!

  46. # Pradas sneakerson 08 Dec 2011 at 8:47 pm

    The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’s. It works well, but isn’t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’s not an issue, but if you’re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and better browser may be important.

  47. # polo shirtson 09 Dec 2011 at 12:23 am

    Thanks for all of your hard work on this blog. My mom takes pleasure in going through investigation and it is obvious why. A number of us notice all regarding the dynamic ways you convey invaluable techniques through the web blog and as well cause contribution from other ones on this subject matter plus our girl has always been becoming educated a lot of things. Take advantage of the rest of the year. You’re the one carrying out a superb job.

  48. # oxford vocabulary workshop level b answerson 11 Dec 2011 at 10:21 am

    Sweet site, super design and style , real clean and utilise genial .

  49. # escorte bucurestion 21 Dec 2011 at 4:40 pm

    Accepted your personal website coming from the neighbors Fb hyperlink, plainly you have got improving fanbase but i also at present undertsand the reason why Extremely educational content, many thanks again a million.

  50. # wind energy jobs electricityon 22 Dec 2011 at 12:55 am

    Hi Sandra HEB is a Supermarket Chain based all over Texas So I thought you might have one near you. But if you re 2 hours from Dallas, I can understand.

  51. # Sistemi Audio Completion 28 Dec 2011 at 12:55 am

    I agree with what you wrote

  52. # shopinon 06 Jan 2012 at 5:54 am

    Great post. Thank you.

  53. # anunturi escorteon 11 Jan 2012 at 9:37 am

    Nice to become visiting your website again, the doll has been weeks for me. Well, this is the story that I’ve been waited for so long.

  54. # Elin Tilmonon 16 Jan 2012 at 1:43 pm

    I love the design on this webpage. Would you tell me where you can get it? Many thanks!

  55. # asian girl massageon 23 Jan 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Hi there, You have done a great job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.

  56. # sexy massage videoson 27 Jan 2012 at 11:07 pm

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

  57. # sexy japanese massageon 28 Jan 2012 at 10:03 am

    Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  58. # sexy asian bobs massage videoon 28 Jan 2012 at 12:34 pm

    It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!

  59. # asian sexy massageon 31 Jan 2012 at 12:08 pm

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  60. # sinüzit belirtilerion 01 Feb 2012 at 10:06 pm

    oh my god fantastic submit admin will examine your webpage always

  61. # lüks araç kiralamaon 03 Feb 2012 at 8:35 pm

    I was curious about your subsequent submit admin genuinely required this website super incredible blog

  62. # yar?? oyunuon 04 Feb 2012 at 1:51 am

    I was searching for this web site previous 3 days good webpage owner fantastic posts all the things is terrific

Comments RSS

Leave a Reply

Spam Protection by WP-SpamFree