The development of new technology in creative music applications

Abstract

Music has been a fundamental aspect of human existence for thousands of years. It fulfills many roles for humanity that range from the intimidating precepts of the bloodiest battles to the emotional release of the biggest celebrations. It is a key creative output channel for humans, which is on a par with the visual arts. Technology has been an important aspect in the development of music, from facilitating new instruments and methods of creating sound, to providing a vehicle by which music can be notated and its sounds recorded. The focus of this chapter is upon the relationship between musical creativity and technological development in recent history and an exploration of the influence that technology is likely to have in the future. As particular case studies, we explore how music and technology interact in two case study scenarios: (1) the creative processes surrounding music production and (2) the education of musicians, particularly in the teaching of timekeeping. It is shown that these aspects of music have remained dependent upon human influence and have been reluctant to fully embrace the possibilities offered by new technologies, unlike other areas of the music industry. Our work discusses ideas and possibilities, encapsulated within the current work of the authors, which seeks to change this situation and embrace the new musical opportunities that technology affords.