Music and Technology: A Very Short Introduction

The relationship between music and technology has been explored throughout history, from prehistoric instruments to modern digital playback devices. This Very Short Introduction takes an expansive and inclusive approach, treating all tools used to create, store, reproduce, and transmit music as technologies worthy of investigation. It challenges the view that technology is unnatural and external to music, portraying traditional instruments and electronic machines as equally technological.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Mark Katz delves into the enduring bond between music and technology, spanning from prehistoric instruments to modern digital playback devices. This concise introduction adopts an expansive and inclusive perspective, aimed at broadening and challenging traditional perceptions of music and technology. In its everyday context, "music technology" often conjures images of electronic devices from the 20th and 21st centuries, such as synthesizers, recording equipment, music notation software, and the like. However, this volume treats all tools used in creating, storing, reproducing, and transmitting music, regardless of their age or electronic nature, as deserving of scholarly investigation.

It is worth noting that all musical instruments can be considered technologies. Take, for instance, the modern piano, a marvel of intricate components: keys, hammers, strings, pedals, dampers, and jacks. Even the sound-producing mechanism, or action, of a piano boasts over 50 distinct parts. In this expansive view, technology in music encompasses a wide range of instruments, including acoustic, electric, and electronic ones. It also encompasses engraving and printing, sound recording and playback, broadcasting, software, and numerous other aspects.

Mark Katz challenges the notion that technology is inherently unnatural or external to music. In the early 20th century, there were concerns that mechanical music, particularly player pianos and phonographs, posed a threat to "real" music. On the other hand, technology can also be laden with utopian aspirations, as seen in the popularity of music streaming platforms like Spotify today. Whether these views are positive or negative, they all assume that technology exerts some influence on music. This volume, however, presents a different perspective by characterizing technology as an essential component of all musical activity. It portrays traditional instruments and electronic machines as equally technological, recognizing their shared role in shaping the creative process.

In conclusion, Mark Katz's survey of the age-old interrelationship between music and technology offers a fresh and insightful perspective. By expanding the scope of inquiry and challenging traditional views, this introduction provides a valuable resource for scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts alike. It underscores the integral role of technology in music, highlighting its historical significance and its ongoing impact on the art form. As technology continues to evolve and shape the world of music, this volume serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and appreciating its multifaceted contributions.

Weight: 124g
Dimension: 172 x 112 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199946983