Musical Genres

Music is global. For that reason alone, the sheer volume of genres is breathtaking. Even if you break music down into the various segments, you’re still left to wade through music that’s traditional, contemporary, classical/artistic, popular and electric.

If it was easy, this article would focus more on the history of music but as it is, that’s virtually impossible. It would take a collection of books, something akin to a small library just so that all the different varieties and beginnings could be covered.

Currently there are arguments (both for and against) that music cannot even be divided into sub-genres, let alone gathered beneath one of the classifications above, if for no other reason than categorizing music is incredibly subjective.

Many scholars argue that music hasn’t evolved beyond a certain time in history – which is fair when you think about musical scales and notes. What may be fairer to say is that music has adapted to modern cultural expectations and ideals.

Modern times dictate a wealth of music that’s simply astounding in terms of variety, and the creation of new pieces is made all the more common due to modern technology. As an example, music editing software is no longer confined to a recording studio.

Some of today more famous musicians made their start on web sites such as YouTube for example. All they used was home editing programs, their talent and a good dose of luck. ‘Back in the day’ you had to place yourself firmly in the arms of Lady Luck, because that was the only way of finding yourself inside a recording studio.

Still, that was then and this is now. And how luck are we that we can enjoy such a wide and varied range of music. I’m a big rhythm and blues fan (and will always remain so) and I love the fact that I can access hours and hours of recordings, some of which were created before I was born, due to current technology.

Of course I also wish I could go further back in time, and listen to true recordings of music made by the greats of classical music. Still, I digress, as this is a ‘loose’ overview of musical genres, not a meander down the pathway of musical history.

Traditional music – this is classified as music that’s passed on through tradition, by way of practice and teaching, sharing and listening.

Popular music – in short, music for the masses. The kind of music that’s played every day on radio stations around the world. Music that has wide-ranging appeal.

Electronic music – music that’s created purely by way of either electronic instruments or technology. The lack of either would prevent this type of music from being created.

Artistic/classical – music that’s defined by its conventional style. This is anything that includes Opera, Classical music, modern contemporary – anything that’s detailed, create traditionally, is worthy of being classes as ‘art’.

So there you have it – four ‘umbrella’ varieties, of which all the others genres fall beneath. Of course those above are but the tip of each iceberg, especially when it comes to the likes of popular music. Hip hop, jazz, rap, reggae, punk rock, heavy metal, goth, new wave punk, the list is almost endless.

That’s why we like the tag-line of our website – all music really is beautiful (a quote from Billy Strayhorn) because as far as we’re concerned, it is.