Present Day Technology and Innovation

Unlike previous modules, this discussion consists of only two parts. Submit Part 1 and Part 2 as a single, 400-word submission, typed directly into the submission box (that is, not as an attachment), by Sunday at 11:59pm PT. You do not have to respond to peers this week, though you are welcome to if you choose.

Part 1: Reflect on Content (150 words maximum)

Our samples this week include the sounds of present day technology and innovation.

In roughly 150 words, discuss: When can you “hear” technology, and when is it just “there”? What makes music sound “new” or “contemporary” to you, that might differentiate from music of the past? What examples from this week’s samples demonstrate these ideas and how?

Be specific in your language and in the examples you give. The goal is both to demonstrate your own understanding of the terms, and to help expand others’ understanding of them. This is the shorter of the two sections; Part 2 represents your main submission.

Part 2: Outside Example (250 words maximum)

Think of an example among the music you listen to that might explore and demonstrate one or more of these concepts. Post a video/link (e.g., YouTube) that applies one or more of your ideas from Part 1 to a song or performance you are familiar with and enjoy. It does not have to be Western Art Music (i.e., what is sometimes loosely called “classical”)—and ideally will not be, unless that is the music that you, personally, know and listen to.
In roughly 250 words, connect the song or performance to the concepts you defined in Part 1. Be specific in tying the sample to these ideas, including listing time stamps if necessary to support your points. The idea is that you, as the foremost expert on the music you already listen to and enjoy, are introducing both the song and your ideas to your classmates. You want to help them hear what you are hearing, so they can engage with your sample and your thoughts about it.