This year, the UO School of Music chose to raise its prices 40-67 percent depending on the type of concert. Student, staff and senior tickets are included in this increase.
This raises some concerns beyond the cost that keeps music accessible and approachable for students, families and seniors. The school offers many excellent concerts with world-class performers. Keeping these concerts affordable should be a concern so that the next generation of musicians and music audiences can be reached. For decades, school systems have cut music education. The School of Music is in a unique position to help introduce school children and adults to non-pop music.
There are many other music organizations with excellent programs with much higher prices in our area. But those people or families of limited means cannot afford these concerts, and those just wanting to “try out” going to a classical concert may not spend the money.
The School of Music makes an effort through free recitals and funded programs to make music accessible. This is to be commended since students with stiff tuition costs, and the public with little income, will come to these concerts. The School of Music should be an “encourager” of attendance, of out reach, of education and of creating and sustaining performers and audiences now and into the future. Don’t price the schoolchild or adult out of the joy of “I want to play like that” or “I want to hear more music like that.”
C.M. Berglund
Eugene resident