TC266: Is Classical Music Dying? A Chat with Benjamin Zander

How will future generations experience and value classical music? In this episode, world-renowned conductor Benjamin Zander of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra joins Tim to discuss the direction of classical music and the influence of the music teaching industry. He shares about speaking at Ted Talks, with anecdotes of Boston Philharmonic Symphony musicians and students of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

• [3:14] The responsibility of music teachers 
• [5:45] Being part of the "healing profession" 
• [6:30] Our job as teachers 
• [7:03] the impact of Beethoven and emotion in classical music
• [8:50] the significance of the upcoming Boston Philharmonic Symphony repertoire
• [10:00] What to say when you make a mistake 
• [12:48]  The responsibility of the conductor
• [14:30] breaking down the formality of classical music
• [20:05] The depth of classical music when we turn off autopilot
• [22:09] Boston Philharmonic during covid
• [23:05] Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra students
• [29:30] On transitioning from performing to conducting
• [39:23] Helping students remove extra impulses
• [43:00] Who we are being in the world
• [45:50] How the "A method" might work in instrumental studio lessons
• [53:22] Last word from Benjamin Zander

Links Mentioned

• Benjamin Zander Website
• Benjamin Zander Ted Talk
• The Art of Possibility Book
• Related: Fun Classical Piano Arrangements

Today's Guest

Benjamin Zander founded the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra in 1978 and has appeared as guest conductor with orchestras around the world. In 2012, Zander founded the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. He also served as a longstanding faculty member at New England Conservatory. Conductor Zander is known internationally as a master teacher and speaker on leadership, featured at the Davos World Economic Forum, to the Ted Talk stage, and in documentaries on PBS. He uses music to help people open their minds and create joyful harmonies that bring out the best in themselves and their colleagues.

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