I have received a couple of emails and several comments about a term that is used on this blog, and many other music sites, that is often misunderstood. The term is the “new age” part of new age music.

In this particular case, “new age” refers to a genre of music. It has no implications about the artist or anyone involved with the music. The artists within the “new age” music genre have belief systems just as diverse as any other population group.

Many are Christian, both Protestant and Catholic, some consider themselves spiritual rather than religious, others are Buddhist, Islamic, or are agnostic or atheist.

It is true that new age music evolved out of a spirituality that is growing in the world - a feeling of being closer to a Higher Power. Meditation, prayer, and consideration of life beyond the physical plane are now an active part of many people’s everyday routine. These practices are often accompanied by what is termed new age music.

The important thing is that a term does not give any indication as to an artist’s belief structure. Many artists are objecting to the term “new age” and wish for a better genre name; neoclassical, ambient, or contemporary instrumental are all possibilities.

For the purposes of this blog, I usually use the term neoclassical. I agree with the opinion of many of the artists because I don’t like labeling people. I see the “new age” genre as our current and contemporary form of classical music. Neoclassical fits the bill perfectly.