Hamilton is investigating new trends in classical music and its relevance to current music education

Dr. Sarah Hamilton of the School of Music noted in her sabbatical proposal that much has changed in the classical music field over the last 20 years or so, fueled in part by declining classical audiences, and as well by the decreasing availability of traditional orchestral jobs.

She added that classically-trained musicians, particularly “classical” chamber groups, are currently exploring incorporating different musical styles such as jazz, Celtic, folk, pop, and even rock, and exploring different venues and formats to find new ways to engage and expand their audiences. Dr. Hamilton noted that as part of the shift, there has been an immense growth in entrepreneurially-minded musicians graduating from music schools and forming chamber ensembles that are both sustainable and forward-thinking in their approach to programming, marketing, and collaboration.

Hamilton’s sabbatical project proposal is to explore the new movement (starting through the lens of an oboist) and its successes, its challenges, and its relevance for how Fredonia, as a collegiate school of music, currently trains future performers. She noted that the information could inform decisions about how much and what kind of chamber ensemble experience Fredonia would like its students to have, and also what kind of business and marketing experience students need, whether they are performance majors and/or future music educators.