Classical Music Vs. Technology

I read a great article about technology and music and even though it's a little off topic from our class I thought it was very interesting!

You hear a lot these days that classical music is dying, and in general classical music is struggling. The art programs in school districts are struggling and getting cut because of budgets. Well.... is technology helping classical music?  Is the radio helping classical music?  According to a msnbc article Sirius and Xm radio and other free webcasts of classical music are helping the classical world.  Performing arts groups that traditionally relied on mailings of paper promo brochures are now turing to the net to drive ticket sales.  I also think thats where You Tube and MySpace music also play a big role. They are promoting themselves for free, which is a wonderful thing!

I also think it is a big struggle for people to commit themselves for a year long subscription to a orchestra or a event. 

A Houston  Opera Company offers videos of dress rehearsals and a behind the scene footage on the net so people can watch the videos and get some background of the performance and then decide if they want to see it.  I think that is a fantastic idea for people who are not sure if they want to purchase tickets to see the event. 

I think overall, that technology is helping classical music I know when I am in my mom's car I turn on Sirius radio to the classical station and I hear things that I have never heard before and can go on itunes and buy them or I hear pieces that I love but don't have a recording of.