Why Hardware?

In the early days of electronic music, musicians began experimenting with electronic test equipment, tape machines, and record players. These efforts evolved into purpose-built devices made to generate and control sound. Through the efforts of many, including Don Buchla, Robert Moog and Serge Tcherepnin, analog synthesizers were born. These innovations of 1960s and 1970s had a profound influence on music and lead to what is commonly referred to as electronic music.

Music Hardware = Musical Instrument

Technological advancements have lead to newer digital methods and expanded possibilities. The musical equipment manufacturing industry began producing new electronic instruments including drum machines, sequencers, samplers, digital effects and digital synthesizers. As this new electronic music hardware became economically accessible to those outside the research Institutions and university settings, new forms of music emerged, such as hip hop and EDM. Today, many musical artists use hardware to make interesting and innovative music.

Computers are tools

Computers have become a significant part of our daily existence and means with which we work, communicate, research and play. We also make music on computers, and they have been essential in the development of music and musical innovations.

In the US, just over 50% of households had at least one computer by the year 2000. Since that time, many young people are introduced to the field of electronic music creation on the computer. The computer music industry consists of music creation and playback software: DAWs, software synths, effects plugins, and DJ apps, and even includes hardware such as MIDI controllers and audio interfaces. Despite the seemingly limitless applications of computers, making music on the computer poses serious challenges.