Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book reveals the current and changing classical music marketplace. It illuminates the ways that the model of classical music performance training in higher education might be reimagined to align with that marketplace, enabling aspiring young musicians to better succeed in and shape that marketplace. The book acknowledges the peculiarly hostile landscape that higher education music leaders and music faculty must navigate if they are to pursue the type of bold change around classical music training that seems necessary. It illuminates the factors that can impact the success of higher education leaders in enabling the bold change needed, and national-level action that could greatly support the success of music faculty and leaders in that work.