Chapter 15: Technology
Preview Questions
Introduction
In the last chapter we looked at how music evolved along with the spaces in which it was played. Advances in architectural materials like cast iron made it possible to create larger buildings and accommodate bigger audiences, and instruments got louder so everyone could hear them. In this last chapter we’ll look at music from one last perspective—how it has been affected by changes in technology.
Review Questions
- How have instruments changed over the centuries?
- What advances in technology have affected the way music is created?
- What advances in technology have affected the way people listen to music?
- What devices do you use to listen to music? Are there any that you used to have that you no longer use?
- About how much time to you listen to music a day on average?
- What percent of the time would you say you listen to music by yourself compared with hearing it with other people? Has that changed over the years? Is it different when you listen by yourself?
Introduction
In the last chapter we looked at how music evolved along with the spaces in which it was played. Advances in architectural materials like cast iron made it possible to create larger buildings and accommodate bigger audiences, and instruments got louder so everyone could hear them. In this last chapter we’ll look at music from one last perspective—how it has been affected by changes in technology.
Review Questions
- What can you remember about how orchestral instruments have evolved over the last few hundred years?
- What are some of the advances in recording technology, and how has that affected the music you hear today?
- How have listening systems changed over the last one hundred years? Compare the sound of the system you listen to most often with the other options that exist today.