User:Tuj62385/Music technology (electronic and digital)

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Are there any claims that appear heavily biased toward a particular position?
Through reading this article, some sections seemed too biased towards particular brands or positions in music. As noted, this article can be seen to written semi-promotional in areas of the text. As an informational and factual reading, this should be corrected. This will be an area of focus.

Specifically, the topics of synthesizers speak about Japanese branded synthesizers and their contributions to music technology. Some text is written with a bias towards these Japanese models rather than speaking on the genuine contribution of synthesizers in technology. Wikipedia helps make note that the section is written in as an "advertisement". ~ Jalen Thomas

History
The history of digital and electronic music is a fascinating journey through technological innovation, artistic experimentation, and cultural evolution. It all began in the early 20th century when inventors like Thaddeus Cahill introduced the Telharmonium, one of the first electromechanical musical instruments. Around the same time, Leon Theremin created the Theremin, an early electronic instrument played without physical contact, pioneering a new form of sound generation.

In the mid-20th century, musique concrète emerged, with pioneers like Pierre Schaeffer and Karlheinz Stockhausen manipulating recorded sounds on tape to create entirely new compositions. This laid the foundation for future electronic music production techniques.

The 1960s were a pivotal decade with the introduction of the Moog synthesizer, which popularized analog synthesis. Artists like Wendy Carlos demonstrated its potential with the groundbreaking album "Switched-On Bach." Meanwhile, tape-based studios, like the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, were at the forefront of electronic sound design.

The 1980s saw a major shift towards digital technology, with the development of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) standard. This allowed electronic instruments to communicate with computers and each other, revolutionizing music production. Digital synthesizers, such as the Yamaha DX7, became widely popular.

The 1990s and 2000s witnessed the explosive growth of electronic dance music (EDM) and its various subgenres, driven by the accessibility of digital music production tools and the rise of computer-based software synthesizers.

Professional training
Courses in music technology are offered at many different Universities as part of degree programs focusing on performance, composition, music research at the undergraduate and graduate level. The study of music technology is usually concerned with the creative use of technology for creating new sounds, performing, recording, programming sequencers or other music-related electronic devices, and manipulating, mixing and reproducing music. Music technology programs train students for careers in "...sound engineering, computer music, audio-visual production and post-production, mastering, scoring for film and multimedia, audio for games, software development, and multimedia production." Those wishing to develop new music technologies often train to become an audio engineer working in R&D. Due to the increasing role of interdisciplinary work in music technology, individuals developing new music technologies may also have backgrounds or training in computer programming, computer hardware design, acoustics, record producing or other fields.

Synthesizers
Synthesizers are electronic technologies used is music production. Through the 1970s and 1980s, synthesizers became more affordable and common for use. (Japanese synthesizer manufacturers produced more affordable synthesizers than those produced in America, with synthesizers made by Yamaha Corporation, Roland Corporation, Korg, Kawai and other companies.) With their spread of popularity and production, synthesizers began to take over the music industry. Synthesizers from different brands, mainly Japanese manufactures, mass production made this technology easier for more people to own. (Yamaha's DX7 was one of the first mass-market, relatively inexpensive synthesizer keyboards.) Today, synthesizers are integral to various music genres, and advancements in technology continue to push their capabilities, from analog renaissance to virtual instruments and modular synthesis.

Analog Synthesizers
Classic analog synthesizers include the Moog Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, Yamaha CS-80, Korg MS-20, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Roland TB-303, Roland Alpha Juno. One of the most iconic synthesizers is the Roland TB-303, was widely used in acid house music. These synthesizers proved revolutionary as the technology uses software synthesis as they modeled after classic instruments. These new-wave of synthesizers allowed for users to connect modules on-screen, as a Midi would.

Digital synthesizer in Japan
Synthesizers made by Yamaha Corporation, Roland Corporation, Korg, Kawai and other companies began to change the music world. Yamaha's DX7 was one of the first mass-market, relatively inexpensive synthesizer keyboards. The DX7 is an FM synthesis based digital synthesizer manufactured from 1983 to 1989. These synthesizers helped shape the sound of electronic dance music. Its distinctive sound can be heard on many recordings, including pop music from the 1980s. The monotimbral, 16-note polyphonic DX7 was the moderate version of the DX series keyboard synthesizers. Over 200,000 of the original DX7 were made, and it remains one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time.

Drum machines in Japan
In the late 1970s and 1980s, Japanese manufacturers like Roland and Korg played pivotal roles in the musical revolution. Roland's TR-808 and TR-909 revolutionized rhythm production, shaping genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music. Korg's KPR-77 and DDD-1 also made an impact. These drum machines were known for their distinctive sound and affordability. Over time, Japanese companies continued to innovate, producing more advanced and user-friendly drum machines, such as the Roland TR-8 and Korg Volca Beats. These instruments continue to influence contemporary music production and remain integral to the electronic music landscape worldwide.Sly and the Family Stone's 1971 album There's a Riot Goin' On helped to popularize the sound of early drum machines, along with Timmy Thomas' 1972 R&B hit "Why Can't We Live Together" and George McCrae's 1974 disco hit "Rock Your Baby" which used early Roland rhythm machines.

Early drum machines sounded drastically different than the drum machines that gained their peak popularity in the 1980s and defined an entire decade of pop music. The most iconic drum machine was the Roland TR-808, widely used in hip hop and dance music.