Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes that classical music practices has flourished in areas as diverse as business studies, sociology, philosophy, information and communications technology (ICT), cultural studies, law, and education. It examines the central practices and theories that empower and regulate the classical music industry, drawing together different strands of enquiry in the contexts of music-making, business, musicology, and associated spheres such as education, media, and copyright. Sociologist Anna Bull conducts an ethnographic study of several youth music ensembles to assess how extracurricular education can serve to reproduce the classical music industry's generally high levels of class and gender inequality. "Principles and Practices", takes a broadly practical perspective to explore some of the classical music industry's most important sectors and to assess how the cultural and economic practices of classical music are kept mobile and alive.