Music is built on tradition and context, and so is its teaching. Recent events at the School have brought this into focus. We recently received a donated harpsichord with its Old World sound and its own place in history. Also, as I write this, the Silver Apples electronic duo is rehearsing in our building for their Big Ears Festival performance. I can hear them now. Silver Apples’ founder, Simeon Coxe, makes rock music with electronically generated sounds, produced by equipment he made himself back before people thought electronic sounds had any role in rock. In the context of rock and roll in the 1970s, this was unusual. Nowadays, electronic music is commonplace, even old hat. Yet, when I look at our harpsichord while I’m hearing Simeon’s synthesizer, electronic is definitely new music. That’s context—centuries of it.

The traditions in both musical modes trace their roots back to seminal creators. In the case of the harpsichord, it’s Antonio Scarlatti and J. S. Bach. In the case of electronic music in rock, it’s Simeon Coxe. In fact, he gave a delightful and informative presentation to our students about his music that gave the kids more context for what’s old and what’s new in music. This direct knowledge handoff is a prime example of tradition in music. Musical details must be passed on from person to person. That’s how it’s taught: a teacher, a student, and their music. The teacher helps the student understand context and passes on the traditions, giving depth to the student’s performing. Give a student a book and an instrument and turn him loose? You’re doing it wrong. When you add the teacher, then the music, the audience and the listener are transformed.

Sincerely,

Francis Graffeo

Executive Director

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