Music and technology have evolved as one or the other changes. A musicologist’s view/look at how music technology has evolved from ancient instruments made of bone to today’s advanced electronic gear.
In this article, we travel through music’s technology, from key developments down the ages.
About the Earliest Instruments
Music was once a simple way for humans to express themselves. The materials used in building these instruments in the very earliest times were natural materials like bones, wood, and shells. The primitive tools to which they gave these sounds formed the basis of early music. For example, Europe’s oldest known musical instruments are bone flutes, which date back more than 40,000 years.
Another big early invention was the drums. Hollowed-out logs or animal skins became percussion instruments all over the world. But these drums were not just for entertainment. They were also used for communication and rituals.
Classical Era of Music
Violins, pianos, and harpsichords were perfected during the classical era, from the 1600s to the 1800s. The use of these instruments permitted greater complexity in music composition and performance.
This time, the orchestra became a popular musical ensemble. Today, people celebrate Beethoven and Mozart’s use of what is referred to as an orchestra to create symphonies. Strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion combined produce a full, dynamic sound that enthralled audiences.
Innovation of Electronic Music
Electronic music began in the 20th century. In the 1920s came the invention of the theremin, an instrument you can play without touching. Otherworldly sounds were the theremin’s fare and featured in many science fiction movies.
Later, developers such as Moog revolutionized music production, allowing musicians to create sounds that they had never heard before. This was the forefather of genres like electronic pop and hip hop.
Recording and Playback Evolution
The other major technological leap was the ability to record music. When Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, people could not only listen to music in their homes but also buy it.
Next came vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs, each bringing sound quality and, to a lesser extent, accessibility further along. Nowadays, companies that offer digital streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music will reign the music industry for some time before another development is made.
The Evolution of the Guitar
The guitar is an iconic instrument in music history. The lute was a simple stringed instrument that first traveled into medieval times. Over the centuries, the guitar changed its design to improve its sound and playability.
Acoustic guitars were popular in folk and blues music in the early 20th century, but musicians wanted a louder instrument to compete with other sounds in a band situation. The electric guitar was invented in the 1930s in response to this demand.
In 1950, the Fender Telecaster was released, one of the most revolutionary achievements in the guitar world. It was designed by Leo Fender, the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar. This is the guitar that started rock and roll and became the sound of artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Musicians liked its simplicity, durability, and for its unique sound. Not only did the Telecaster start the rock era, but it also became a multigenerational guitar for country, jazz, and blues.
Development of Musical Software and Apps
With music software and apps available today, the digital age has made it easier than ever to create music. For example, GarageBand and Ableton Live allow computer users to create and edit music by recording on their computers. Apps for mobile phones and tablets like Soundtrap and BandLab also offer these capabilities.
With these tools, it has become democratized enough that anyone with an idea can actually do that and make a song. Technology enables us to make music whether you are a pro or a hobbyist.
The Future of Musical Technology
Music’s possibilities keep improving as technology improves. Music lovers are now creating immersive musical experiences using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a part in composition and sound design. Instruments are also becoming more smart. For instance, digital drums have all the machine gun sounds worth using in one kit, and some keyboards can analyze a player’s style and suggest improvements.
Final Thoughts
Ancient bone flutes have evolved into cutting-edge AI tools and everything in between. From time to time, each era has produced innovations that form the way to make and enjoy music. The future looks bright, and we don’t know what innovations are in store for us quite yet.
