"The whole path of American music has been so much about the recognition of stylistic diversity, and the recognition of the importance of music which was from one of the vernacular traditions"

This quote by Michael Tilson Thomas speaks with the value of acknowledging the diversity of musical designs in the United States. He is stressing the importance of acknowledging the music that comes from the different vernacular customs in the US. This consists of music from different cultures, such as African American, Latin American, and Native American music. He is suggesting that the path of American music has actually had to do with recognizing the value of these different designs and incorporating them into the larger American music landscape. This is an essential point, as it highlights the importance of recognizing the diversity of musical styles in the US and how they have actually contributed to the development of American music. By acknowledging the importance of these different styles, we can much better appreciate the richness of American music and the contributions of various cultures.