Music has gone through a number of major developments throughout its history. From the development of a notation system, to consistent pitch, through to the invention of the valve, music in its style and expression have evolved and changed significantly to the position today. In recent times, technology has had a major impact on the way we play and listen to music. The introduction of contemporary formats like mp3, and the rise of mp3 consumer electronics has expanded the scope of music across our society. Furthermore, music is now more portable and accessible than ever before. But is this a good thing for music as an art form, or is this another step towards the destruction of traditional performance and expression?
The expansion of music across our everyday lives in recent times is amazing. It is now practically impossible to go a whole day without hearing some form of music - whether on the car radio, at work, in the grocery store or on the streets. Music is everywhere, and this could well be thanks to the increasing popularity of music accessories like mp3 players. Undoubtedly, the mp3 player is bringing new and varied tastes in music to those who would otherwise have been more reserved about their selection. It is encouraging more and more youngsters to pick up an instrument and start to learn, with the ultimate aim of playing through the mp3 players of the world themselves one day. Surely this is fantastic for the development of music as an art form?
On the contrary, there are those who feel music is suffering as a result of modern technology. Dance and techno music, wholly created by computer is apparently destroying real talent in music. It is bringing in programmed sounds and rhythms and combining them with sampled music - nothing original at all. Worryingly this is popular, particularly amongst youth cultures which will inevitably have a knock on effect on music as an art form in the decades and centuries to come.
Either way, music is certainly a big part of our daily lives, whatever form it happens to take. Whether you see music as a spectator sport, or you love getting involved yourself, the art form will surely remain alive and well for many years, if not forever, given the connection of music with our emotions and thought patterns on a daily basis.
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Relationships, Family, and Arts.
