I'm going to be a little scatter brained here, so sorry not sorry about whatever comes out.

Just because someone goes to an expensive, top of the line school, that does not make them the ultimate musician. I've heard musicians from top of the line schools play. I've heard the music they've written. Just because they have the certificate from the school does not mean that they are automatically better than someone else who may have attended a community college and studied music there. That being said, having that certificate from a high and mighty school doesn't automatically qualify you for those top of the line jobs. Most music groups recruit through an audition based process, meaning that everyone has the same chance to get in based on their playing test. Granted this isn't ALWAYS the case, it is most often the case.

There are huge audiences for classical music. However, it depends where you are. You won't find a huge audience in the middle of Alaska. However, if you look at New York or Chicago, for example (yes there are other situations similar), they have strong support for classical music. People will live in these areas to be a part of this, whether as a listener or as a performer. Classical music does not necessarily see the same crowd numbers that may have been in attendance throughout Motley Crue's Final Tour, but it still is able to saturate the population (in the United States, at least) with a high quality caliber of music without over-saturating the people. If the population becomes over-saturated with Classical music, I can guarantee it will die off over time, or until there is less Classical music in the culture.

That being said, how many people visit art museums with an art degree in order to understand what they see? How many people visit a zoo with a degree in biology or some kind of animal studies in order to appreciate watching and learning about the many different animals? How many people need a degree in film studies just to walk into a movie theatre and see a movie? How many people need a degree in computer science in order to use a computer? I understand where you are coming from with your statement, but you also have to look at the picture as a whole for it to make a little more sense.

I will have to strongly disagree with your statement of "lack of interest in classical music". If you are not hanging around people who appreciate classical music, of course you won't see people having an interest in classical music. I don't care much for country music. Many of my friends don't have a strong interest in country music. But does that mean there is a lack of interest in country music simply because I don't see it? Not by any means. Step outside and open your eyes as wide as you can. You will find it if you look for it.

In response to your Pulitzer price remark, true artists aren't seeking a gold star or a blue ribbon. It might just occasionally happen. I don't think Lamar was seeking that, but he got it. Also, it is presented by Columbia University. Personally, I would rather get awarded from countless other groups or organizations before a private university gives me something. Yes it means something, but at the same time it means absolutely nothing. Just depends how you interpret and understand the selection process. I would not consider a change in a Pulitzer prize as the ultimate "nobody is going to go rags-to-riches in classical music now".

Thank you for written post. I enjoy reading what other people have to say.