Why are kids so ignorant to Jazz/Classical Music?

Question

The other day I was on the 3rd floor section of HMV at the Jazz section. And I was browsing around for some Erroll Garner, then I see these two kids. First off they were talking so loudly and then when they went into the Jazz section first thing they said, "what? Is this for gay people?" Then they walk around a bit more and say "Billie Holiday? Is she a cross-dresser? Billie is a man's name" They walk around more and see the Classical section and they see Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. What do they say "Wolfgang? Is he a wolf part of a gang?"

I mean really you stupid ignorant kids really need to get a grasp on life. And this isnt the first time this has happened, I've seen so many times but this was really the worst.

I'm not an old man (I'm part of the 18-24 age demographic). Which is really stupid. My theory? Fast foods.

Answer 1

They are not exposed to it. When was the last time MTV played classical music?

P.S. Lighten up a bit they are only kids and you shouldn't be so judgemental...

Answer 2

The biggest problem is that, for most people, music is less about art than about self-identification. Note that each popular genre has it's own slang, it's own clothing style, it's own social demographic, even its own associated ethos. For most people, it is not simply, "I listen to (Rock, country, hip-hop) but "I AM...."
Music becomes a badge, and listeners close themselves off from music that doesn't match their chosen ID.
Jazz and classical are further hindered by the fact that they focus more on instrumental performance than on lyrics. Most people can't get themselves into a piece of music without words.
Another factor is the musical content itself. Popular forms are "accessible," easy to grasp. Jazz and classical require active listening and a willingness to learn as you hear. Most people would rather not make the effort.
It's not just jazz and classical, either. While 'pop' country sells well, the true artistry of genuine bluegrass is relegated to the shadows. Same in other genres.
Screw 'em. Just plug in your Erroll Garner, your Billie, your Ella, your Brubeck and Monk, your Joey DeFrancesco and Joshua Redman, and enjoy. Revel in your Mahler and Bach and Stravinsky and Haydn. If they don't get it, that's not your problem.

Answer 3

I agree with you. I'm part of that 18-24 demographic and I know kids my age who have never heard of Billie Holiday or any classical music. I blame radio and TV for all the ignorance thats placed infront of these ingnorat peoples eyes. They don't realize that everything they listen to today is a remake or using the same melodies and symphoic notes of Jazz, Blues, and Classical Music. There a bunch of idiots who need to be educated in the ways of music.

Answer 4

I'm personally in my late 30s and I think that kids these days are so ignorant to this kind of music because life is fast and they want fast music. I think kids of the next generation should learn to appreciate jazz and classical as well as all there present day rap and rock and all that new stuff?

Answer 5

I'm only 15 and I listen to jazz &classical music. It's not one whole group I'm sure there's alot of adults who dont know who Mozart or Billie Holiday are.

But then again, I'm in the band so I think band members appreciate music like Blues, Jazz, and Classical, seeing as we play it, more than others

Answer 6

They were eventually new schooled not old schooled. There for they assumed that Jazz/Classical music is for old people. Just ignore these people and feel confident. I listen to jazz everyday. This remind me about the Roaring 20's/ Jazz age.

Answer 7

People our age these days do not appreciate real music!!!
Don't get me wrong here I don't mean that Beyonce or Gwen Stephani is not music its just that they compare Jazz to Old School.

When I first moved to my Gp's house I hated Jazz because that was the only kind of music they listen 2. I learned to appreciate Jazz and Classical as a musician myself

Answer 8

It was definately not my parents... my dad had always strum to the songs of Bob Dylan, the blues, and all the songs of the woodstock era and before..

It was just a phrase I was going thru... when I was a teenager, I couldn't stand the songs my dad was playing cos I thought that oldies were so 'uncool'... jazz and blues were for boring people... and only pop music rocks... hahaha...

Now, i'm 27 and I'm totally in love with smooth jazz, blues and oldies and I get irritated with the 'cool' music of today.

My younger sister, who is 15 now, whines and tells me to switch off the jazz radio station that I play.. I just ignore her... I know that once she matures mentally, she will learn to appreciate good music...

Answer 9

my theory? ... Tinkers. Or bleeding eejits. Okay, granted, Billie was bisexual but she was certainly no cross dresser - in fact, I am a big fan of hers and if those kids were anywhere near me saying that, they probably would have had a beating.

They just want attention, and they think its okay to do it that way cos no one their age knows about Billie Holliday (it's a shame they don't) or Mozart, and kids their age would enjoy them slagging those poor musicians. But then they're surprised older people don't take them seriously and don't treat them as adults - in my opinion they brought about their own downfall there.

Answer 10

why are people in OUR demo not listening to classical and jazz? why would they? im 21 and jazz stinks. You are obviously a nerd pondering why you dont have friends, why girls dont "get it" with your musical selections. A great deal of people our age learn about this music, so dont try and act "profound" or "deep" by trying to be different and more distinguished than others your age. People arent ignorant because they don't like the same music as you, if you hated Salsa or Blues music would YOU WANT to learn about it...didnt think so, but someone would call you ignorant right?

Answer 11

I'm not quite sure, but being 19 myself, and a fan of classical,jazz, and blues, i understand what you mean.
I guess it would have something to do with the ignorant string of music that is pumped, nonstop, into people's ears. Real music is now unappreciated. The music has to be ignorant, redundant, and pointless for most young people to appreciate it.