What is Electronic Music?

Electronic music is widely used in various forms of media, including film, television, video games, and commercials. But what exactly is it?

Electronic music is a highly diverse and dynamic genre that encompasses a broad range of styles and sub-genres each with its own unique style and sound, including: EDM, hip-hop, house, techno, trance, dubstep, drum and bass, ambient, experimental, industrial, synth-pop, electro-pop, trip-hop, chillout, new wave, and future bass. 

The Tools

This versatility is made possible by a wide range of electronic instruments used to create the sounds – such as synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. These digital instruments can be found within software programs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Pro Tools – collectively known as digital audio workstations, or DAWs. 

Producers can create, manipulate, and arrange sounds using these tools to create this wide variety of electronic music. Synthesizers generate electronic signals, producing a wide range of sounds. Drum machines create drum and percussion sounds. Samplers allow producers to manipulate pre-existing sounds, and MIDI controllers enable them to trigger and control different musical elements. Audio interfaces are used to record and process audio signals, ensuring high-quality sound production.

The History

Electronic music has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century with Robert Moog’s invention of the first synthesizer that it began to gain mainstream popularity. The 1970s saw the introduction of drum machines and sequencers, paving the way for the creation of disco and house music, while hip hop emerged in the late 1970s in the Bronx using turntables and samplers. The 1980s saw the rise of electronic dance music with genres such as techno and acid house gaining popularity. Since then, electronic music has continued to evolve and has become a dominant force in the music industry.

Present and Future

Electronic music is an extremely diverse genre that has made its way into virtually every corner of modern music. The use of synthesized sounds and electronic beats has made it a staple of dance clubs and movie soundtracks, while its incorporation into more traditional genres has created a whole new world of musical possibilities. With a rich history and endless potential for innovation, electronic music continues to captivate and inspire music lovers around the world.

Stages Music Arts offers multiple ways to experience the magic of electronic music, including private lessons, a 4-level, 15-week course, and week-long summer camps. Check out our website for details and dates.