As early as 2005 I started worrying about the failure of this generation to create its own musical identity. My year 9 + students must have gotten fed up of this old man questioning their musical tastes.

Music for the past 49 years has been the centre of my life, entering teaching after being a military musician and going to university was a dream come true. The chance to help the next generation find and develop their own musical identity was thrilling.
Through the 90's it was an honor to watch and teach those who sought to move music forward. However, as we began the new century I was shocked by the way the youth seemed to freely give over their creativity to a select few who simply told them what to listen to.
The X Factor or whatever the progammes are called that Mr. Cowell owns, so called finding and showcasing new talent, prescribe the music listened to and released.
Individual expression, creativity, and true talent stifled by the good old re-mix. The guaranteed sale, even the winner of the show is given a recording contract with the same peddler of the mundane.
My accident and subsequent disability means I can no longer teach but I can still have an opinion and pray that the "Teens" might see the youth regain their right to find their own musical voice.