Accrediting agencies like the National Association of Schools of Music are already making rumblings in the direction of new requirements in technology, composition and improvisation for every college music student. My home institution is on the brink of approving a graduation requirement that every music student must compose and perform at least one original work during their four years on campus. But this broadening of view within the conservatory is not enough. We must look outside to the sciences, to the visual arts, to theater and dance. We must look for unexpected connections and influences if we are to keep the art alive.
Music is no longer just sound.
We are not far from the breaking of traditions that are barely 100 years old. We are on the brink of a new era where music will become participatory again. Our course structure will soon be forced to reflect this more progressive idea. Music is not something to be consumed by listeners and performers but a thing to be crafted for the sheer joy of personal expression. Conclusion Availability of music software with unusual paradigms and more intuitive user interfaces will not increase the number of fine composers.