It's unfortunate that the word 'elitist' has been filched from the socio-political sphere to describe something that the speaker disapproves of. Elitism allows the privileged few to acquire the power and influential posts which affect other people's lives.
I see no connection between that and the much wider use of the word an 'elite' which can apply to people who have achieved an enviable position in a chosen field - sport, music, the professions. Individuals may or may not have had a privileged upbringing and education; perhaps they are more likely to have been thus favoured, but that isn't the deciding factor. Natural gifts and hard work are more important.
Classical music is quite obviously 'out there' for anyone, at affordable prices. There is no 'elite' trying to keep people out; it's far more likely to be those who haven't experienced it who therefore don't give children the opportunity to pursue what they themselves have not pursued, or who make no effort to pursue it. Their motivation and psychology is what should be explored.
I see no connection between that and the much wider use of the word an 'elite' which can apply to people who have achieved an enviable position in a chosen field - sport, music, the professions. Individuals may or may not have had a privileged upbringing and education; perhaps they are more likely to have been thus favoured, but that isn't the deciding factor. Natural gifts and hard work are more important.
Classical music is quite obviously 'out there' for anyone, at affordable prices. There is no 'elite' trying to keep people out; it's far more likely to be those who haven't experienced it who therefore don't give children the opportunity to pursue what they themselves have not pursued, or who make no effort to pursue it. Their motivation and psychology is what should be explored.
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