The Interlinked History of Music and Technology

As early as humans had musical instruments, we had music technology. Even musical scales sung with the voice can be thought of as a technology (that is, an application of systematized knowledge). Music technologies affect both the creation of music and the ways we listen to music.

Each development in musical representation been accompanied by corresponding developments in the social practice of music listening. For example, a recording allows you to repeatedly examine the details of a performance that would otherwise be ephemeral. Technologies for private listening outside the home, beginning with the Walkman, allowed you to travel within a private sonic environment.

The progression from sheet music to recorded music to digital recorded music has enabled us to represent musical sound in increasingly precise ways. Now, generative musical AI promises to use those representations as the basis for a new form of musical creation.

Can the transformative impact of AI be compared to previous music technologies, or is it something totally different? How can musicians embrace AI instead of fearing it?

Mariami will be discussing these topics and more with music industry insider and upcoming author Drew Thurlow at our New Music Tech Showcase for NY Tech Week on Saturday, June 8 at Pete’s Candy store. You can find more information and RSVP here.