Harmonious relations: Quality transmission among composers in the very long run

This research project examines the role of teacher–student relationships in shaping the perceived quality of musical composers. Specifically, we consider what factors contribute to the likelihood of a teacher and student forming a connection, and in turn how composer quality is transferred from teacher to student. In addition, we explore longer-term intergenerational effects of networks: for example, how any given high-quality teacher might indirectly influence future composers via intermediate generations of teachers.

Drawing on biographical information on composers from established libraries such as Pfitzinger’s compendium of composer genealogies and Grove’s dictionary of music and musicians, our analysis considers 17,436 composers between the years 505 and 2016, resulting in 40,940 teacher–student pairs. We take account of both the quantity and quality of composers’ output: that is, both how prolific their works were and how popular their works remain over time.

What makes a great composer? One factor — not only relevant to the creative arts, but a broad range of sectors — is education. But how and why does teacher quality influence the ability and reputation of future generations of composers?