I hate calling it classical ;)

[Chris Alpiar]

I mean it could easily be romantic or 20th century, "3rd" stream or gregorian chants. I dont know if what I do really qualifies as being classical music, but I cant think of another category more fitting.

[Bob Porter]

Let me go a little farther.

I was a music ed major at the University of Redlands in California in the early 70's. My freshman theory class was almost 50 souls. It was the biggest class they'd ever had. When second semester started half had dropped out. Some changed majors, some left school altogether. By graduation time, we could meet in a closet. In later years, folks would say that theory class would weed out those really didn't belong in music. Theory was hard. Music history was boring. The solfege final was a horror. "Class, write a two part invention in the Baroque style." "Bob, you have written a wonderful two part invention, but in the romantic style. Grade; C." The whole college experience, one that should have expanded my music horizons, helped me fulfill my dreams, only shut me down to music almost completely. Only much later did I crawl out of my hole and become active again.

I know we need to learn that stuff. But I don't think I can recite much of what I learned. Yet, I know it is in my head. It's in all of our heads. It's what we grew up with. It's what we know deep down inside. And that's where our compositions come from. I'm going to write what I NEED to write. My gut is going to tell me that this chord is going to sound just right after this other chord. This melody is going to burst out of my soul because it doesn't have any choice. Not because my professor said so.

And then there is the whole music and math relationship nonsense. But that is for another time.

[Radmir]

Well, I think term of "classical" is now wider than it's initial meaning - the art of the Classical period. And I agree that modern music shouldn't be named as classical because "classical" is the music that has gone into gold fund of humanity. No matter Bach or Grieg, Prokofiev or Shostackovich - they wrote themselves into history of music. Maybe some of modern music will become classical after 30-50 years. I prefer term of "modern academical music" or "classical-style" music.

[Gordon Francis Blaney Jr.]

Before the Common Practice Period (Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance) and Common Practice Period (Baroque, Classical, and Romantic) and After the Common Practice Period (New Baroque, Classical, Romantic) are all terms I prefer to utilize when discussing music with colleagues: When I deal with the general public I use the word Classical.

Schuller, the founding father of Third Stream, identifies Third Stream as not being Classical or Jazz but as being a "third" option, hence its' name Third Stream.

I believe you're music can be described as being polystylistic. Polystylism is the use of multiple styles or techniques in literature, art, film, or, especially, music, and is a postmodern characteristic. If using words to define what your work is or isn't is somehow offensive, then I'd call it phat damn good music, because your music is unique and pleasing to the ear.