Will Computers Replace Musicians?

Computer audio technology has made huge advances over the past several years. It is now quite possible for entire orchestras or small ensembles to be duplicated in a studio using just one simple keyboard or computer. Processing power has made it possible to store actual audio frequencies of various instruments and then to adjust them for pitch, resulting in a melodious playback that would be identical in frequency to the original sound.

So, what does this mean for the future of instrumentalists? Like assembly line workers in an auto plant, will musicians be replaced by computers? Does the future look bleak for those who are studying to be professional musicians?

The answer is a resounding, "NO!"

There are several reasons why the future is looking even brighter for those who would endeavor to study musical performance. Now is not the time to give up on your dreams and, in fact, it seems that the study of being a musical performer could never be more important. Here are 5 of those reasons:

1) Humans are not perfect. At first glance, this may not seem like a valid reason – or perhaps a reason supporting the opposite view. However, it is the imperfect, subjective, and unique quality of a human being that makes a human performance more fascinating and satisfying than that of a computer. The risk of making a mistake lends a hand to the level of appreciation that an audience has for a human performer. Sometimes, in fact, it is the poor tone or the wrong notes that truly give a performance emotion. One needs only to consider the sour notes that come from your child's first recital or the Jr. High band's first concert. We wouldn't have it any other way! Yes – it is true that computer experts are working on "humanizing" electronic performances. But success in this field seems a long way off.

2) What you see is what you get. Imagine if you will the excitement of walking through the doors of Carnegie Hall, taking your seat, watching the lights dim, and hearing the applause as a concert is about to begin. The curtain opens and there before your eyes is a small table with a computer and a set of speakers. What you are hearing could be a marvelous rendition of a symphony or an opera. But honestly – are you there only for the sound? What is the performance without the visual? Nothing beats the beauty and grandeur of an entire symphony playing together. The bows of the violins are completely in sync with one another. The cymbal player is reaching high in the air to emphasize the crash. The soloist is swaying to the rhythm of the melody. The visual is key to excitement and without it you have nothing!

3) Comraderie and identification. Ask any musician today about what they feel is their most favorite aspect of being a musician, and they will tell you that it is the friendships and bonds that form as a result of performing together and learning together. There is nothing like a stellar performance that causes a performing group to become joined together as a team. Even the audience, many of whom are most likely musicians, becomes entranced with the performance as if they are playing along in their minds. Children look at and hear the performers and dream of one day becoming a musical star. Adults look at and hear the performers and dream also – perhaps of one day reaching that level of ability, or perhaps of the time when they themselves could play that piece.

4) The amazing human ear. Yes – technology has advanced and unbelievable things have been accomplished with musical software. However, at this point anyway, it is still possible for the human ear to detect the differences between human and electronic. There are subtle nuances in tone and style that give away an electronic performance – or even a recording of that performance. People are no doubt fooled every day when they hear the accompaniment to a television commercial or the background score to a movie but, for the most part, it is still possible to tell the difference. Of course, this is the one things that is most likely to change as technology progresses. Perhaps we may be saying something completely different in the near future.

5) Music is fun! OK – so even if all the above reasons are not valid, the sheer enjoyment of playing an instrument will never be replaced by "playing" a computer. During times of stress and times of grief, the musician will quickly resort to the therapy offered by playing songs to an audience of one. During times of celebration and joy, there is no better method for shouting a cheer than to express it in music. Of course, perhaps most importantly, during times of worship, there is no more appropriate expression of love and service than to offer a song of praise.

Yes – technology is moving ahead. No – technology will not replace the musician. Perhaps some jobs will be lost in the commercial world or in the studio when budgets are tight. But the world of the human musician is ever expanding and the need to continue training and raising new musicians will never end.

Francis Beaudry is currently the conductor of two orchestras. He is a writer and arranger and has published musical works for choir and orchestra. In addition he is the president of TheMaxZone.com, an online musical accessories superstore offering instrument accessories, musical accessories. For more visit at http://www.themaxzone.com

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