Taking classical music to children

1. [Multiple choice]

All four of these letters are in response to an article about a new classical musical initiative.

Answers for Quiz [1].

• 1. True (correct)
• 2. False

2. [Multiple choice]

All of the letters quoted were written by men.

(Two are definitely by men (Robert and Bruce. A.G.Philipson could be male or female, and the spelling of ‘Lesley’ shows she is a woman – Leslie is the spelling of the man’s name.)

Answers for Quiz [2].

• 1. True
• 2. False (correct)

3. [Multiple choice]

One of the writers makes an ironic comment.

(D’s “we could even use gramophone records” is a reminder that schoolchildren have listened to classical music for decades in the classroom. There may also be some light irony in letter C, whose writer is clearly heavily involved in the field of classical music education – phrases such as ‘should take heart’ suggest that he considers the new initiative is overlooking the immense amount of work already being done.)

Answers for Quiz [3].

• 1. True (correct)
• 2. False

4. [Multiple choice]

There is a general consensus that musical children are poor at mixing socially.

(Letter B expresses the view that they are ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ unable to develop their social skills through lack of time or opportunity, because they are so busy practising their instruments.)

Answers for Quiz [4].

• 1. True
• 2. False (correct)

5. [Multiple choice]

All four of the writers of these letters are in favour of children being exposed to classical music.

Answers for Quiz [5].

• 1. True (correct)
• 2. False

6. [Multiple choice]

One of the writers is more concerned with social than with musical education.

Answers for Quiz [6].

• 1. True (correct)
• 2. False

7. [Multiple choice]

All four writers are employed in some aspect of the music industry.

(The writers of letters A and D are keen on classical music, but give no evidence that they work in the music sector. The author of letter C seems likely to be employed in the field of music education.)

Answers for Quiz [7].

• 1. True
• 2. False (correct)

8. [Multiple choice]

Only people of a certain age ‘retire’.

(Letter C points out that when orchestras are for young people up to a certain age children who reach that age have to ‘retire’ and find another orchestra. Here he / she mentions the age of 14 as one at which young musicians have to ‘retire’ from certain orchestras and ensembles.)

Answers for Quiz [8].

• 1. True
• 2. False (correct)