MODERN music: main features

exist many types and styles of music with trends and legacies that have left us after leaving their mark at a certain time. Classical music or academic music is an art that has accompanied humanity during years of evolution, since the bases and structures that would categorize it as such were established. Eventually we get to a point where we move away from formality and begin to break down rules, it is there an important point in history where we take a different path and we we diversify.

In this lesson from a TEACHER you will discover what is modern music: main characteristics, so you will learn more about this concept that you have surely heard before and you will find out about gender and its development.

For “modern” we refer to what belongs to the present and what is happening today. With this concept we can say that modern music is all the music that is heard today. Be careful, it is very important do not confuse modern music with modernist music, which is another style that belongs to another music stage specific based on Modernism, an artistic and thought current.

In a more direct sense, we can say that when we speak of modern music we refer to all that which It is not classical or academic music. This point of separation can be placed approximately in the twentieth century, when works that did not really belong to the framework of formal music began to be formally published and popularized (at that time the theater scene, with classical formations such as the orchestra, chamber music, soloist concerts of virtuous works, etc.) but to a less exclusive and popular audience, with shorter works and social functions or creative.

The inventions of technology and the mass media such as radio and television played an important role in further separating modern music from classical music, distributing music and making it accessible to anyone no formal training in music. Art then becomes a determining factor that reflects the trends and ideals of each epoch, which begin to change dramatically and more frequently (compared to centuries above).

Eventually, with the evolution and changes in history, trends are created that add new styles to the repertoire of modern music, to the point of having hundreds of new categories that can even happen simultaneously.

Before mentioning general characteristics, we must take into account that due to the number of genres and styles in We cannot go into very specific details about modern music, since each musical genre has its own characteristics. The modern panorama of music is very broad, including genres such as: Pop, Rock, Funk, Jazz, Blues, Bossa Nova, Salsa, Hip-Hop, R&B, Gospel, Metal, Folk, Indie, Reggae, Instrumental, Musical, New Age and Electronic among others.

Here we leave you a list with the main characteristics of modern music so that you learn to differentiate it:

1. Break away from traditions and formalities of classical music, there are no specific formalities and the main objective is sentimental expression.
2. It usually appeals to a wider audience.
3. It does not necessarily require musical training to be enjoyed or understood.
4. There are both instrumental works and songs (works with lyrics).
5. They are usually created as a method of artistic expression, by an artist's own motivation and not necessarily commissioned, as was the case in earlier times.
6. Most works of modern music seek the emotional connection direct with the listener, achieve identification with the public.
7. The commercialization plays an important role, since it allows the perpetuation of the artist and his work. For this same reason, modern music is often linked to the media and marketing.
8. Most of the musical groups are little numerous, being ensembles, bands or soloists.
9. Depending on the style, it usually has a specific identity or concept.
10. Works can be experimental, without a specific meaning or objective, but for the fact of creating or studying sound.
11. It is given by trends, Styles that are all the rage at a certain time and that eventually, due to their success, usually have a boom in popularity.
12. There is a constant mixing In terms of styles, it is not uncommon for several genres to merge in search of new and interesting results.
13. It uses a lots of musical instruments different depending on the genre and musical style. Even so, some tend to be much more popular and frequent.
14. May include electrical instruments and unconventional instruments.

Now that you know more about the concept of modern music, you can dedicate yourself to exploring the vast world that exists in terms of styles and fascinate yourself with their individual riches.