Music in the 24th Century

[Bryan Moore]

So entirely hypothetical, no basis whatsoever, but what sort of music do we think will survive. Clearly classical, but will ideas of "rock" "R&B" "pop" or anything else exist? I could see certain genre's fading, as I dont' think country would have a huge following. BUt who knows. Just a fun little debate =)

[Angharrad]

Rock music!

Didn't someone say "rock and roll forever"

[Grundig]

Good topic! It's too bad there's not more to go on.

There is the whole Vic Fontaine story arc in DS9. And seeing Riker play a few different types of jazz, I'm glad to see that genre alive in the 24th century.

One thing I'd say is that at least aboard a starship, there are probably more small musical ensembles like string quartets, jazz combos, rock groups, etc. rather than something like a full sized orchestra.

And hey, this brings me a little off topic, but how awesome would it be to jam with your musical idols on a holodeck?? Imagine singing with the Beatles, or drumming with Metallica. Or, you know, *insert other awesome group of your choice.*

Anyways, with holodecks, replicators and other crazy technology, I bet the process of learning music is much different (and more efficient) in the 24th century. And that might change the nature of how music functions within the culture. I would say that in the twenty fourth century, music is more of a social, interactive and recreational activity than the commercial and pop-star industry stuff we have today. I'm sure there are talented musicians, and they're probably famous, but I think it's safe to say (especially seeing the concerts Data and friends performed in TNG) that music is no longer a spectator sport. Which I think is a great thing, and is closer to what things were like back in the olden days.

[Lazar]

There should probably be some genres of popular music that would be totally new to us - maybe with some influence from alien music.

[Sionnach Glic]

It actualy appears as if most music has died off, to be replaced with a revival in classical and jazz music. When was the last time we heard something even remotely approaching modern day music?

Anyways, with holodecks, replicators and other crazy technology, I bet the process of learning music is much different (and more efficient) in the 24th century.

I'm not so sure. The main thing I can think of is that you could have famous musicians tutour you, like learning the guitar from Jimmi Hendrix. Other than that, it'd still be the same.

I would say that in the twenty fourth century, music is more of a social, interactive and recreational activity than the commercial and pop-star industry stuff we have today. I'm sure there are talented musicians, and they're probably famous, but I think it's safe to say (especially seeing the concerts Data and friends performed in TNG) that music is no longer a spectator sport.

What makes you say that? While it probably isn't as comercial as today given the UFP's pseudo-communist nature, the ability to play music well will still remain beyond the majority of the populace, much as it is today.

[Grundig]

Well, I personally believe that most people can play music. It's only in the past century that music has become this commercial monstrosity where if you're not some musical genius you shouldn't even try. Enjoyment doesn't come from mastering an instrument, as any amateur musician will tell you. People tap their feet and dance to music for a reason - on some level or another, they want to participate! I'd like to think it could become that again.Music used to be a pastime, you know? Anyway that's my sentimental addition to Roddenberry's utopian society.

[Grundig]

Also, there's that one scene in TNG where the young boy is complaining that he doesn't want to learn calculus, which leads me to believe that teaching methods have evolved considerably by then.

[Sionnach Glic]

Well, I personally believe that most people can play music. It's only in the past century that music has become this commercial monstrosity where if you're not some musical genius you shouldn't even try. Enjoyment doesn't come from mastering an instrument, as any amateur musician will tell you. People tap their feet and dance to music for a reason - on some level or another, they want to participate! I'd like to think it could become that again.Music used to be a pastime, you know? Anyway that's my sentimental addition to Roddenberry's utopian society.

And how will it get there again?

Also, there's that one scene in TNG where the young boy is complaining that he doesn't want to learn calculus, which leads me to believe that teaching methods have evolved considerably by then.

All that shows is that calculus is thought at a young age in the UFP. Unless they litteraly feed the information into your mind via a computer, teaching will remain more or less similar to now, just with different aids and approaches.

[Tsukiyumi]

...When was the last time we heard something even remotely approaching modern day music?

Beastie Boys in the new movie.

I don't recall if young Kirk turned the radio on in the car, though, or whether that was just background music. Either way, I loved it.

[thelordharry]

And the in-car Nokia ring tone! What a lovely bit of advertising for them! When I first saw that ditty, I thought, "so they're saying that Nokia are still going to be around in the 23rd century?" but remembered that it was likely retro-fitted to the car and was ancient by their standards but futuristic for us...

[Sionnach Glic]

Hey, you'll still need phones in the future!

[thelordharry]

I thought you could just press the brooch your left tit and then speak to anyone, anywhere!?!?! On hang on, that's the 24th century. In the 23rd, you flip open a Nokia clamshell THEN speak to anyone, anywhere

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

It'd have to be compatible with whatever system they use in the future, too.

[Tyyr]

This is Star Trek, when was the last time you saw incompatible technology?

[Grundig]

And how will it get there again?

Well, lessons will be free. Instruments will be free (or very cheap). The complete knowledge of music will be freely available. Holodecks will be free. Anyways, this takes advantage of the somewhat silly utopian communist economy that makes so much of Trek possible IU. What I'm saying is, what's stopping a modern day guy from going to learn guitar? About $100 if he wants to do it on his own, and much more if he actually wants someone to teach him. So, take away the money element, and add in more ways to learn music, and I think you'd have many more hobbyist musicians. And if a large enough percent of the population can play music, then it's not hard to imagine them wanting to do so together for fun.

It's like movie night on ENT, which I actually thought was a great idea. They don't have to set up that clunky old projector or pop popcorn. It's a way for the crew to feel connected to humanity while far away from it while providing enjoyment.

All that shows is that calculus is thought at a young age in the UFP. Unless they litteraly feed the information into your mind via a computer, teaching will remain more or less similar to now, just with different aids and approaches.

And if music is taught at a young age, the student learns much more quickly and easily. Maybe they'd get bored of it in their young years, but who knows? Maybe they'll retain enough knowledge to take it up again when they grow up.

I'm not saying everyone's going to be a musician or that all musicians will be great. I am definitely saying that it will be easier to learn music, and I think the shift away from commercialism will change the way people think about music from this strange thing that only famous people do in some high tech studio to a more interactive, enriching activity. Therefore, I think more people would play music, and it would be done largely for enjoyment. And I think that would be awesome.