I had a short but enjoyable chat with another guitar teacher and one of his adult students yesterday. The student is also a fan of classical guitar and he was expressing some concern for the future of the genre. I assured him that it would continue and thrive.
He's right to be concerned though. If you watch classical guitar videos online, other than the home recordings like mine, you will see a wonderful array of churches and chapels in the background. These venues are the cheapest and easiest to acquire. The audience size is often very small and generally made up of mature adults. And too often they are largely friends and family of the artist.
I suppose I could ramble on about what I perceive as the faults in this scenario, but that would simply be one opinion among many. I base my assurance to this gentleman on what my "teachers eyes" actually see.
As a child, I wanted to be a singer. The guitar was just an accompaniment. That changed over the years and now I rarely sing, even when alone. But I am quite surprised by the large number of students that don't want to sing. Ever! If I even mention it they immediately begin to plot their escape from the room. They want to play guitar the way many play piano. Perhaps a few chords to play along socially, or just play melody and chords together so the song is recognizable.
The easiest way to teach these techniques is through classical music and the methods that have been with us for generations. When I introduce my students to this music, both young and old, they are often smitten. The smaller etudes and lessons, while perhaps not concert worthy, are very lovely still. Unknown pieces from unheard of composers that my students find very enjoyable.
What is also surprising is the number of young students that aren't interested in learning the music that is current. I get a lot of requests for music of the sixties. I roll my eyes whenever a youngster asks me if I've ever heard of the Beatles. My colleagues who teach rock and country are always getting requests from their students to learn music from the seventies and eighties. The exception to that is the young girls who want to learn songs by Adele, Taylor Swift, et al.
The classical guitar music seems to be behind closed doors. It's considered private and many students don't wish to share with their friends or family. "I don't want to be a concert artist, but I'd like to play that well", is a common attitude. An unintended consequence is that they feel like they are alone and that no one else shares their enthusiasm. However they will attend a recital or download a CD. They will support the art form is small but meaningful ways.
While I am optimistic about the future of my instrument, I am mindful of the evolution that we seem to be in. The players are less interested in fame and are retreating behind closed doors. And the world at large doesn't seem to notice.