I suspect classical musicians of harboring resentment and cultivating a sense of indignation toward monetarily successful "folk" musicians and "folk" music teachers. I expect a judgement of condescending indignation from a classically trained musician when the first discover that I teach and perform folk music exclusively. So, I prejudge classically trained musicians in the following ways: 1) I assume that they will hold me in musical contempt because I lack their "level" of education and understanding of Symphonic and Orchestral history and musical application. 2) I assume that they believe that the music I play is inferior in quality and value. 3) I assume that they believe that my understanding of "their" music is cursory and rudimentary at best. 4) I assume that they believe their musical purpose and application is of greater universal value, superior in technique, and of greater use to anyone who wishes to learn about music or seek a greater understanding of music in general. 5) I assume that they believe "folk" music or ethnic music is lower in the hierarchy of universal musical value.
I generally do not announce these prejudices in any company. I tend to engage classically trained musicians with caution and I don't volunteer any musical information about me. I don't treat them poorly, but I don't seek out conversation with them about musical specifics. The social rules of Irish traditional music (the music I play) are very different than than the social rules of classical European art music. I don't discuss these differences with classically trained musicians without their inquiry.
So, generally I prejudge that such musicians will prejudge me. So I behave accordingly.
Your blog was well written and explanatory. I am sure the musical world can be a snobby one at times. What instrument(s) do you play?
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