Boycott Young Composers?

Is it just me, or do I observe the "classical community" boycott young composers?

They (the big minds of classical music) will always take notice of you, then reject you because you are not famous like Strauss, Liszt, Chopin ect. My works are not bad at all, but no! I am not a legend so I may not compose.

If the international classical society don't make a place for young composers, there won't be any legends from this generation for posterity!

The minds of the classical world needs to be shifted - to give young composers a chance too!

What do you think?

Well...

In order to make something good happen you NEED to be good, no? It's not about age, or anything like that. It's about experience and the results you're getting.

I have to say, that from my experience (whatever this may be), only a mere ... 1-2% of this site could go into publishing, no matter if I like a lot of stuff here. So... Not even sure if my stuff would fit normal publishing, or CD making, etc... We'll have to see about that! ;)

Sorry but.. that's nonsense.

There's plenty of opportunity out there for composers of any age.

There are opportunities for composers, but I do think it is true that the worlds of art music and orchestral music aren't particularly inviting to new music. That doesn't make it impossible, just a bit harder, I think. One has to self-promote; no one is going to knock on your door asking you to be well-known.

Yeah. I have to agree with the other posts here. It's nonsense. If anything, people are MORE generous here than they should be to pieces (myself included). I agree up to a point that classical music isn't all that accepting of new composers and ideas but that just makes it a bit harder; not impossible. If you want better opportunities to happen for you then work harder, self-promote, and be the best composer you can be.

i certainly feel what you're saying - it's pretty much hard to get rejected, on a constant basis. i, personaly, know the angst rejection causes. there are plenty of reasons why one gets rejected. some are simply bureucratic, some are economical, some are both. i don't know how old are you, but i'm 27 and been being rejected like dozens of time. up to the level, where i consider it to be complete moral crime - it's the times when they say they'll publish your work to simply reject it weeks later. so, yes, there is some true 'gently caress them' feeling in me.

BUT - it's not the problem. well, maybe for you, but not for me - at least i can hear my works myself (i need no one to perform them, except for my pc) and doing it make one human being proud. BUT - if you want some audience, there's other ways to do it than just established bureucratic forms. i would go to some bars, pubs, whatever and sneak in some of my music, so, at least unconsciously, people would hear it. once i played in pretty much big party, where i was being advertised as a guest from england, you bet it gives people extra serotonine to care to listen.

SO, while i feel what you're saying, i advice to not think of it too much and go on.

i mean charles bukowski was being rejected untill his forties and now he's what - a loving legend!

:)

Work hard? YES! Work hard.

Nikolas, you are right there. I think little of this (including some of my own works) are genius. But I disagree with the other comments about critism. In South Africa, there are little opportunity. Bleh! See what I am talking about! :D

On YC, people ARE more generous with young composers (and I revere that - motivating others myself!)

Sadly, I've also had negative criticism by professionals. To such an extend, my creativity dropped very low and I compose with caution and fear. And that... is abnormal!

And now... all that remains for me to do is to kick some @$$ and compose originally, fresh and marvelous works!

Try http://www.youngcomposers.com/forum/natty-rag-trombone-piano-orchestra-17386.html I really need advice!

All it sounds like here is that you need to learn how to take criticism. Not everybody is gonna love your work all the time, every time.

As for getting noticed- advertise yourself. Contact people, get pieces performed as often as possible, perform other people's works, help other composers out. :x Lots of people will return the favor if you give them a hand.

Pieter, I replied to your nag thread.! Check it out and see what you think (not about the work, but about where to potentially get an orchestra to play your works).

Are you saying they aren't famous?

Is it just me, or do I observe the "classical community" boycott young composers?

They (the big minds of classical music) will always take notice of you, then reject you because you are not famous like Strauss, Liszt, Chopin ect. My works are not bad at all, but no! I am not a legend so I may not compose.

If the international classical society don't make a place for young composers, there won't be any legends from this generation for posterity!

The minds of the classical world needs to be shifted - to give young composers a chance too!

What do you think?

Bear in mind that a lot of composers weren't famous until after their death (not literally as soon as they died they became famous :P).

Just saying that a lot of composers didn't/don't enjoy fame during their lifetimes. (So you don't have to be famous to be successful)

Just keep at it. If you are determined enough you will most likely end up doing what you want (composition) ;)

Also: Nobody says that just because you aren't famous you "Can't compose" ... Anybody can compose if they want and nobody can stop that. As for rejection... I honestly don't think they reject anybody for "Not being famous" (although it may seem that way)... Like I said earlier, If you truly enjoy composition and want to do it professionally then keep at it.

To such an extend, my creativity dropped very low and I compose with caution and fear. And that... is abnormal!

Don't take the criticism too hard. Let it motivate you to become better :) So you get some criticism from someone - rather than withdrawing and worrying about what you write, become more determined to do even better with your next piece. It's all about the state of mind :laugh:

No.

Yeah you did

They aren't famous.

See?

Is it just me, or do I observe the "classical community" boycott young composers?

They (the big minds of classical music) will always take notice of you, then reject you because you are not famous like Strauss, Liszt, Chopin ect. My works are not bad at all, but no! I am not a legend so I may not compose.

If the international classical society don't make a place for young composers, there won't be any legends from this generation for posterity!

The minds of the classical world needs to be shifted - to give young composers a chance too!

What do you think?

I think you should get used to feelings of rejection and disinterest in your work. That is the nature of the field we are in. There are too many great works that are neglected to complain about the pretty good ones that don't get their day. If your music is so good that the conductor has just got to hear it, then it is time to show him or her your piece. Definitely seek out the amateur/hobbyist orchestras. I think your goal (and mine too) should be that you write music so good they are dying to perform it. That's when you need to show it to a conductor. Have you had any of your music performed by an orchestra? If not, why would the trombonist commission you to write something new if he's not heard your orchestral writing? Also, a trombonist wouldn't be responsible for performing the work with an orchestra - what did the conductor say? If you've not submitted it to music directors or conductors then you need to and tell them you'd like to meet to discuss this piece being performed by that orchestra OR getting feedback on what would make it easier for them to take a chance on you or this piece. If you live in a place without enough orchestras that are easily accessible, remember in the old days the composers made it their mission in life to go to Vienna because it was the hub of their craft. There are plenty of opportunities and orchestras looking for music. I perform in an orchestra and we just played a premiere of a piece, and as a composer, I have to tell you - it wasn't good enough. It was written well, the composer knew what he was doing, but the bottom line - it didn't connect with us nor hold enough attention of the listener. Having a good idea or good melodies in the piece isn't enough. Also, a lot of conductors only want to play something they

Ah, honestly if the world is destroyed by a huge asteriod I don't think you will have used your time well decrying the lack of opportunities or the criticism from professionals. In fact who knows what will be remembered and who cares?

All I care about now is if I am able to make a decent living with my music OR if not, doing something else that affords me time and mental space to do my music.

Ah, honestly if the world is destroyed by a huge asteriod I don't think you will have used your time well decrying the lack of opportunities or the criticism from professionals. In fact who knows what will be remembered and who cares?

All I care about now is if I am able to make a decent living with my music OR if not, doing something else that affords me time and mental space to do my music.

Marry me.

Voce, you are right. Always boost other composers even if you don't like the composition. Corbin, I hope so.

Bless you all. I will (someday) be famous. And always greatly revere this marvelous website. YC forever!