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
1) No elaboration needed, and if any would be needed it might bore the average reader because of the technicalities. However, I really like the topic that you covered and and I can in turn relate to this because I worked with music synthesizers before. I see that you have posted a screen shot of Reason, but there are many more out there such as FL, Reason, and Ableton.
ReplyDelete2) It was all clear to me.
3) No, you have all the basic topics covered especially with music synths and MIDI programs. However, you could also include simple stuff like music format and digital music which is played everywhere.
Mike, your podcast was very nicely written because I don't know anything about music, but since you explained everything really well, I understood everything. Nothing was left unclear. Since I don't know anything about music at all, I wouldn't be able to tell you what to include, but I would like to had seen more quotes from your interviewee. I'm excited to see your podcast, especially because all the songs you chose seem really interesting.
ReplyDelete1.I don't believe that you need any elaboration what is ever. Your blog was informational and I think you made your point across.
ReplyDelete2.Everything was pretty clear, although some people may not know what some equipment is so maybe you could explain them a little more. Other then that your blog was very clear.
3.Maybe you could talk about the different formats in music, or expand on the differences between music being played and using music technology and which you think is better.