Bridging the Gap: The Untrained Artist vs. the Polished Musician

Last fall, the University of Southern California Thornton School Of Music announced its new bachelor of music in pop music performance degree program which will begin in the fall semester of 2009. This unique degree is the first of its kind in the United States and may very well take the competitive edge that embodies this music school to a whole new level. In a time where raw, untamed talent can rise to the top under the umbrella of competitions like American Idol, maybe this program will bridge that gap between the untrained artist and the polished musician. For instance, American Idol winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood were not too spectacular when they were competing on the Fox network show. But after just a few months of intense vocal training post-Idol, their vocal chops had completely transformed. They had become controlled, musically articulate, and their sense of pitch was fine-tuned. It seems as though they now have the tools to help them understand how their voices work.

In David Ng’s recent article, “USC Thornton School of Music announces expansion, new degrees,” I was inclined to offer my thoughts on this news as well as reference the relevance of a program such as this. Additionally, I found a post by blogger Stuart Heritage titled “ACM Entertainer Award Won By…A Woman? Mercy!” in which he describes how reality TV stars like those on American Idol are “infiltrating” the music world not by using their musical abilities, but through their television appeal. Below, I have included my comments to these articles as well as the links to their websites.


“USC Thornton School of Music announces expansion, new degrees”
Comment

Thank you Mr. Ng for writing this article about USC’s Thornton School expansion and new music programs. An expansion of 50% must provide the Thornton community with much needed space for its musicians and faculty. Having spent time on the USC campus, the music school has always seemed relatively small despite the very competitive atmosphere it bolsters. I wonder if the new facilities will allow the school to foster new performance ensembles as well, given the news of the new pop music degree.

This fresh degree program seems like a very positive move by the Thornton School. So many young artists who have not yet grasped their raw talent or refined their skills have a unique opportunity now to really move forward and learn how their abilities work. I believe this can serve as a bridge for so many eager, driven musicians who may not have the groundwork as of now, but can build upon their talents in an academic setting. The public has seen artists such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, who may have not had the best vocal skills when they were on American Idol, but who have learned how to control their voices after the show and flourish because of professional training. USC’s new program can offer these pop musicians and vocalists a fantastic opportunity to refine their skills through intense training, much like the classical musicians in the school, and graduate with abilities that they did not have before.

“ACM Entertainer Award Won By…A Woman? Mercy!”
Comment

I appreciate your animated take on this year’s ACM awards show. I would have to disagree with your assessment that Carrie Underwood’s win is something to cause worry within the industry. You comically note that she “a) never takes her clothes off, b) never eats delicious meat and c) never reveals any personal secrets about herself whatsoever.” You also infer that her American Idol win is something that is alarming in the fact that it was a reality TV show she competed on and because of that platform, her established stardom is making her “infiltrate” the ACM awards. I cannot say I am a fan of country music myself, however, Ms. Underwood has come a long way since her stint on the Fox network show.

What once sounded untamed and raw now sounds controlled, effortless, and oftentimes brilliant. As a classical musician, it is a breath of fresh air to see how intense musical training can transform an otherwise decent singer into a strong, graceful, and impressive vocalist. It is unfair to assume that her rise to fame from her past on television is the sole reason for a major win at the ACM awards show. I watched her performances at the event and it is hard to argue that there is anything else but talent that is keeping her on top. Even you yourself reference her lack of interest in confessing personal secrets, something that many young female singers indeed do for publicity. I look forward to seeing her progress even more in the coming years.