Module description
Over the past decade, online streaming - via platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube - has transformed the way music is consumed. The arrival of affordable recording equipment, distribution/promotion via social networks, and easy access to vast catalogues of music (often for free), was supposed to herald a so-called 'democratisation' of music. But has this been the case? During this course, we will take a critical look at the music industry - particularly those companies that are based in London, such as Sony, Universal and Kobalt - and explore the impact new technologies have had on the way music is produced and consumed.
Central to this exploration will be the question of how music is valued in the twenty-first century. We will survey two classic conceptions of value: the value of commodities by Marx (and later Marxians), and ideas about gift and gift exchange established by Marcel Mauss. The purpose of this approach is to build upon these writings and begin to understand the value of music today in ways that might not simply be economic- or gift-based.
Assessment details
2000 word essay [40%]
Portfolio [60%]
Educational aims & objectives
The educational aims of this module are to develop an understanding of the music industry in the late 20th and early 21st centuries; to situate developments in technology (particularly online streaming) alongside broader shifts in composition, performance and listening habits; to provide students with a theoretical language for the value and exchange of music; and to introduce students to the broad literature on capitalism, digital anthropology, technology and globalisation.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 6 module and in particular will demonstrate:
- ability to critically understand the structure of the music industry and its value chain
- ability to evaluate the impact of technological developments on music and how it is valued
- capacity to think through issues involving capital, exchange and the musical work
- capacity to engage with and evaluate a range of complex literature across the disciplines of musicology,ethnomusicology, anthropology and sociology
- ability to develop an individual project utilising a range of methodological tools, including ethnography, in which they demonstrate their own independent research skills.
Teaching pattern
lectures and seminars.