Music is an art form that has always been shaped by its time period. Throughout musical history, composers created diverse beats and melodies to evoke emotions and express opinions.
In the 18th century, when music found its balance and structure, songs were known for instrumental musicality and live performances were popular. However, after the 20th century and the advent of electronic devices, the melodies once known for rich instrumentation evolved into music characterized by fast beats and complex rhythms.
Angela Brand Butler, professor of music, explained the transition from classical to modern music.
“All modern music begins its foundation in Western art music, so you have to have a foundation somewhere, and then we just dress it up,” Butler said. “We add cultural influences, colorful ditties, and exciting rhythms from other cultures and genres, even as jazz, hip hop, pop, and rock.”
As time passed, both music styles developed distinct characteristics. Classical music is known for evoking powerful emotions in live performances, while modern music combines diverse cultures and genres to create something new. Davin Chaffin, senior piano performance major, explained what he finds special about both forms.
“Classical music, also known as ‘art music,’ is unique because, compared to other music styles, it is an art form, not focusing on entertainment. On the other hand, modern music is unique because it has been influenced by social media and developing technologies,” Chaffin said. The range of sounds and collaboration between genres has diversified the landscape, creating new niches people can enjoy.”
Technology became essential to music creation in this era, influencing rhythms and beats. Many young adults now remix songs or combine styles, including classical melodies. Classical music was one of the first genres to be remixed by younger generations, blending classical instrumentation with hip-hop or pop elements. Brand Butler shared her perspective on whether classical music has been modernized.
“I don’t know if it’s being modernized, but there’s certainly a nod to it. People are taking tunes from it, which they should, and every generation has done that. Even in art music in the 18th and 19th centuries, artists took tunes from each other,” Brand Butler said. “Overall, I don’t think we are modernizing the whole thing, but we are certainly incorporating other cultures into our art music.”
Instead of comparing one genre as superior to the other, both share the purpose of creating emotional connection and meaning through sound.
Yandel Adonay Marmol, sophomore computer science major who plays the bass, explained where he sees the two genres intersect.
“I’ve seen many times where you have modern songs done on piano or violin. I think there is space room, and oftentimes, the new combination just brings new life to the field of music,” Marmol said.
As society continues to evolve technologically, music continues to transform. New artists will continue composing genres and rhythms that blend styles once seen as separate. Even in a world that labels music as classical or modern, the latest generation shows that art grows through collaboration, not separation.
