Michael A. Banks
Software Applications
Instructor: Janet Hall
December 18, 2007
The Making of Music and Technology
By Michael A. Banks
Over the past years we have heard the many tales of how the internet and technology
have and are changing the way we conduct our lives. Just over the past one hundred years, look
how far we have come. I remember sitting in front of the big floor model TV that picked up
maybe five channels if you positioned the rabbit ear antennas correctly, I also remember being
overjoyed to get my first little boom box with dual cassettes, and the smile when I got the new
Atari gaming station with Pac-man and Space Invaders. Now I have a music studio in my back
yard where I can not only record, but complete every phase of music making from conception to
distribution.
It wasn’t until 1877 when Thomas Edison created a tin-foil wrapped cylinder that was
rotated with a handle that interest in the reproduction of sound even came into being, However,
because of the limited use and “tinny” sound it was discouraged due to the quick deterioration of
the foil and the high production costs involved. Later other inventors improved upon the
phonograph by using a wax coated cardboard tube over the cylinder, creating the prototype for
the jukebox (Blanchette. 1).
“The next noteworthy technological advancement was the invention of the reverse metal
stamper. Several thousand copies could be created from the original before the stamper was
discarded. The cost of manufacturing recorded products was reduced, which in turn reduced the
payments received by the performers since they were no longer required to be in a recording
studio for such lengthy time periods (Alexander 116-117).”
The 1920’s led to greater advancement in the recording industry with the development of
the radio and an electrical recording process. However, none of this even compares to the
advancements we have made in the latter 20th and 21st century. Today with MIDI which stands
for Music Instrument Digital Interface. It was implemented in 1982/1983 as part of an agreement
in the music industry to make electronic music instruments compatible with each other. MIDI
can be used between or among electronic music instruments such as keyboards, sound modules,
samplers, drum machines, etc. MIDI can also be used with computers to enable us to exercise
even greater control over the music information (Gilbert). Combined with new high tech
equipment and complex sequencing software programs such as Reason, Cubase, and Fruity
Loops we now can create musical compositions without the costly and time consuming efforts of
musicians. However, in my opinion music is in the eye of the beholder. Depending on personal
preferences and perceived quality this same equipment also allows for the recording of live
musicians and performers.
I am sure that there are advantages and disadvantages involved as there are in anything
else. However, I am always amazed that an individual such as myself who cannot play an
instrument, is no longer prevented from making music as long as I can learn to use a software
program.
Works Cited
Blanchette, Kate Effects of MP3 Technology on the Music Industry: Examination of Market
Structure and Apple iTunes April 23 2004, 16 Dec 2007 <
http://www.holycross.edu/departments/economics/website/honors/blanchette_thesis.pdf
Gilbert, John V. Workshop for Chung Ang University Technological Trends in Music Education.
1997-2006, 16, Dec 2007 http://www.nyu.edu/classes/gilbert/musedtechwkshp/
How to Use a Computer. Shelley Cashman Series®. Course Technology. 3 Aug. 2005.
www.scsite.com/wd2003/pr2/wc1.htm