Music in the Digital Space

Digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software called Logic.

High-end keyboards now double as a music workstation.

MIDI Lab of Allen Park High School were students can obtain a 21st century music education.

Podcast Script

Introduction. Time = 1:00
Music during segment: “Safe Passage” - Hanz Zimmer, “Symphony No. 5” - Beethoven, “Boogie on a Reggae Woman” - Stevie Wonder

Education. Politics. Communication. Nearly every aspect of our world has been entirely revamped due to the digital revolution and proliferation of the personal computer. Music is no different. Historically, the major limitation for advancing music as an art form has been the technology of the day. For example, Classical composers were confined to work with the acoustic instruments available during the turn of the 18th century. Back then, the various electronic effects of 20th century music were unheard of and simply not possible. Now, anyone with the necessary skills can compose digitally with any instrument or sound on the planet. In the past thirty years, the world of music technology has grown profusely. In this podcast, we are going to discuss the doors music technology has opened for composers and its influence on popular music.

New Tools. Time = 2:00
Music during segment: “Just as the Sun Went Down” - Tipper, “Concerto for Flute and Harp” - Mozart

Music technology has created a new world for musicians and composers. It has generated a broader spectrum of styles of composition and produced new genres of music. In an interview I conducted with audio engineer, Brendan Kelly, he commented that genres like Electronic, today’s Hip Hop, and Intelligent Dance Music “would be utterly impossible to create without the use of a synthesizer and a MIDI sequencer.” Sequencers have enabled us to compose on a digital timeline where the pitch, intensity, vibrato, and other parameters can be manipulated in any way the composer sees fit. Synthesizers, on the other hand, can create new sounds. These devices are also able to emulate the sound of any instrument that has ever existed. In some cases, the synthesizer can trigger an actual recording of an instrument, or sample, which is almost indistinguishable from the real thing. In effect, it has become immeasurably more convenient to use a synthesizer than, for example, spend $60,000 on a concert harp and learn how to play it. Armed with a computer, a synth, and some know-how, your music is only limited by your imagination.

Film Scoring. Time = 0:35
Music during segment: “Beetlejuice” - Danny Elfman

These electronic advances have been especially important in the area of film scoring. Composers no longer have to laboriously write their music out with pen and paper, rather they are able to sequence everything they want to express on a computer and then the software can print out all of the individual orchestral parts in standard musical notation. In a broader sense, composing in the digital space can be done entirely by ear and the composer does not necessarily have to have any understanding of musical notation.

Pop Music. Time = 0:35
Music during segment: “Nobody’s Perfect” - Hannah Montana

Not only has music technology helped out composers, it has, unfortunately, helped out untrained musicians. Pop music is often played by novice musicians and innovations like pitch correction and quantizing can correct off pitch and off beat notes, respectively. Therefore, these players can circumvent having a firm understanding of melody, harmony, and rhythm: the core of music. With the element of training out of the picture, it becomes easier for musicians to hastily put together a CD which sounds deceptively well done.

Conclusion. Time = 0:35
Music during segment: “When Doves Cry” - Prince

Recent advances in music technology have become a tremendous tool for musicians and composers of all disciplines. From the distinctive, keyboard-heavy sound of the 80’s to today’s R&B, the presence of digital effects is apparent. In actuality, music technology has been and will continue to be at the helm of the music industry for quite some time. To exemplify this, I leave you with a medley of songs that not only hold an important place in pop culture, but would not have been possible without the digital revolution.

Ending music: “Popular Music Medley” - Mike Fritz
Complete length: 4:30