IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8.0+ Solution from IELTS Examiner – Music Topic

How much joy we receive from a performer is entirely dependent on our personal taste. The more individuals follow a particular performer the more popular that artist will become, therefore it's only right that pop stars, who sell more music than classical artists should be paid more.

Few can deny the beauty of classical music, for centuries it has lifted our bodies, minds, and souls to near angelic levels, as the composition of these great works of art were made by geniusToday we can hear these masterpieces virtually for free, as they've been performed and recorded scores of times. Unfortunately, this means that the value of their work is greatly diminished, especially as there are relatively few new works coming out these days. Furthermore, orchestras have many members, which reduces the amount paid to each Maestro, so making a living in this way is quite challenging.

In comparison, pop musicians today require relatively few people in their entourage, in fact, many stars have solo careers, which minimizes the dilution of the payouts. More important though, is the fact that young people are always gravity to pop music or similar, as that is what their peers listen to and what is promoted most thoroughly by record labels. Pop performers have millions of fans, all buying up every hit release on Spotify, Apple Tunes, or even on vinylas well as merchandise and concerts. The royalties from all this add up quickly, allowing these stars to live a life of luxury after just a few years of popularity.

As incredibly talented classical artists are, they just do not compare to today's hit maker, as the youth are by far the most likely to buy music as it becomes available. Add to this the power of marketing to the pop industry and our amazing classical performers have no chance.

Word count: 306

Useful phrases that appear in the article:

• personal (music) taste (n) : (music genre) personal preference
• performer (v) : performer
• composition (n) : work
• genius (n) : genius
• masterpiece (n) : masterpiece
• virtually (adv) : almost / on cyberspace
• scores of times: many times, often
• diminish (v) : decrease
• orchestra (n) : symphony orchestra
• Maestro  (n) : conductor
• entourage  (n) : person in a band
• dilution  (n) : dilution
• payout  (n) : payment
• gravity  (v) : attractive
• vinyl (n) : vinyl record
• merchandise / merch (n) : goods related to idols
• royalties (n) : royalties
• hit maker (n) : a person who creates products that are widely accepted by the public and become hits.