Cue the encore! Turn It Up: The Power of Music has been extended due to popular demand until 1 September 2024, giving you and your group more time to visit this interactive musical exhibition.
Audience research reveals that most people, unless highly skilled in playing an instrument or reading music, consider themselves ‘unmusical’. However, much like science, music is all around us and is something that everyone can access and enjoy. Turn It Up: The Power of Music explores the impact music has on humans; how it affects the way we feel and how it shows up in our everyday lives.
With fun facts and engaging discussion questions, this blog can be used to highlight key objects and interactives during your group’s visit to the exhibition.
1.Egg slicer
Egg slicer used by electro-acoustic musician Hugh Davies
Who would have thought of using an egg slicer as an instrument?
Played as if it were a tiny harp, an egg slicer has thin wires that can be played like a string instrument. The vibrating strings create a sound that can be captured by a microphone before being altered technologically to produce an entirely new sound.
Electronic innovators like Hugh Davies, who played the egg slicer that is on display in Turn It Up and Delia Derbyshire (known for her creation of the Doctor Who theme) also used other everyday items like lamp shades and chopsticks to create new sounds.
Suggested discussion question: Which objects in your bedroom could you use as a musical instrument?
2. Tuning Fork
Tuning forks
Music is a combination of tone, tempo and pitch. The tone and pitch add character to the sound, which can be high or low. For example, the sound of a whistle or a young child will likely produce a high-pitched sound, whilst the sound of thunder at a distance is more likely to be rumbling and low-pitched.
Tuning forks, like the one in the exhibition, are an instrument used by musicians to correct an instrument’s pitch, making sure it reproduces a specific note. This is very useful for an orchestra, where all the instruments should be in key to create and amplify a harmony. When struck against a solid surface, the two metal prongs of the tuning fork produce an ‘A’ note, which musicians will use as a reference to make sure their instruments are in tune.
Did you know that tuning forks are also used in medical settings for hearing assessments? When the fork is vibrating, its base is put next to the head of the patient and the fork edges are placed next to the ear, with the doctor keeping track of how long the patient can hear the vibrations for.
Suggested discussion question: Do you prefer songs with a high or low pitch?
3. Metronome
Metronome, Charles Verdin, Paris, c1890 1907.
After tone, tempo is another essential element in music. It sets the pace and provides a distinct meaning to a musical sequence. Before the 19th century, time was mainly interpreted by the musician with words that indicated pace, from fast (allegro) to slow (adagio). Italian has long been the international language for musical terminology as Italy was an early hub of music during the Renaissance period.
The metronome, which you can find near the Tuning Fork in the exhibition, is a mechanical instrument that counts time, measured in regular beats per minute (BPM). It makes a ticking sound to mark the beat and can be adjusted to fit the tempo of the music you are playing. In orchestras, the conductor assumes the role of a human metronome, guiding musicians through the composer’s musical score to shape the sound of the performance.
DJs are masters of playing with pitch and tempo. To mix two different songs, they match the tempo of both tracks using the pitch controller. Did you know that increasing the tempo will also increase the pitch, and vice-versa
Suggested discussion question: Do you prefer slow or fast songs? Why?
After observing a range of surprising musical objects, it’s time to venture into a new section of the exhibition, the musical playground, where you can put your creativity to the test.
4.Musical Playground
Visitors in the musical playground in Turn It Up: The power of music
The Musical Playground invites visitors of all musical abilities to craft their own musical compositions, either in a group or on their own. In this space, pupils can explore beat, harmony and melody guided by the understanding that music knows no bounds or set rules.
Comprising a network of luminous tubes, the Musical Playground is a collaborative space where your class can create original musical compositions by layering elements across three categories:
Rhythm – a regular pattern of sounds, words, or musical notes
Harmony – a combination of two or more musical notes played or sung together
Melody – a tune, often forming part of a larger piece of music
5.Beat Blocks
Visitors playing with Beat Blocks in Turn It Up: The power of music
If you prefer a solo approach to music making, BeatBlocks is an interactive exhibit that provides a playful opportunity to construct building blocks to make music. Located opposite the musical playground, the fun begins with a blank score. Pupils can choose blocks and craft sequences of layered sounds, blending different colours, movements, and shapes, with the pitch determined by the height of the towering blocks.
The discovery continues in Turn It Up, where you can explore many other objects and exhibits that reflect the impact music has on our bodies and minds. Show off your dance moves in front of our digital motion mirror in the name of science or learn about an artist who experiences sound as colour, further deepening your understanding of the relationship between music and human experience.
We hope you enjoy discovering the objects and exhibits in Turn It Up: The Power of Music. If this blog has inspired you to visit the exhibition, you can book tickets via our group booking portal. Don’t forget to share your visit and let us know your favourite objects by tagging the Science Museum Group’s Learning team on X @learningSMG.
***Title: The Future Trends in Music Visuals and their Impact on the Industry***
Introduction
Visuals have become an integral part of music consumption in the digital age. While iconic bands have long been associated with a distinctive aesthetic, contemporary artists like Tierra Whack are pushing boundaries with their colorful and cartoonish visuals. In this article, we will analyze the key points about the evolving landscape of music visuals and discuss potential future trends that could shape the industry. Moreover, we will provide unique predictions and recommendations for the industry’s stakeholders to stay ahead of the curve.
The Power of Visuals in Music
Visuals have always played a crucial role in the music industry, from album art to music videos. However, in the digital era, the importance of visuals has skyrocketed. In an era where attention spans are short and competition for listeners’ attention is fierce, artists have recognized the need to captivate their audience visually. Tierra Whack, for instance, has gained immense popularity not only for her musical prowess but also for her elaborate and visually stunning music videos that perfectly complement her unique sound.
The Current State of Music Visuals
The current state of music visuals is a testament to the increasing merger of the music and visual arts. Artists are leveraging technological advancements, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), to create immersive experiences for their fans. Additionally, accessibility to affordable video production equipment and editing software has made it easier for artists to produce high-quality visuals independently. This democratization of visuals has allowed emerging talents to experiment and express their unique artistic visions freely.
Potential Future Trends
Looking ahead, we can expect several intriguing developments in the realm of music visuals. Here are some potential future trends:
1. Interactive Music Experiences
With the advent of AR and VR technologies, interactive music experiences will likely become increasingly prevalent. Listeners will be able to step into virtual worlds created by artists, where they can explore and interact with various elements of their favorite songs. This immersive experience will blur the lines between the audience and the artist, fostering a deeper emotional connection.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Generated Visuals
As AI continues to advance at an astonishing pace, we can anticipate the emergence of AI-generated visuals in music. AI algorithms will analyze an artist’s music, lyrics, and even audience preferences to create visuals that perfectly align with the intended emotional impact of the song. This technology will significantly enhance the efficiency of visual content creation and open up new creative possibilities.
3. Collaborative Visual Productions
Collaborations between musicians and visual artists will become more common, breaking the traditional boundaries of each medium. Artists will realize the transformative power of combining their talents, resulting in visually stunning and multi-dimensional experiences for the audience. This trend will lead to the birth of new art forms and expand the creative potential in both music and visuals.
Recommendations for the Industry
To stay at the forefront of this evolving landscape, industry stakeholders must adapt and embrace the following recommendations:
1. Emphasize Visual Storytelling
Investing in compelling visual storytelling will be crucial for artists and labels alike. The visuals should not only enhance the music but also tell a cohesive narrative that resonates with the audience. Collaborating with talented directors and artists who specialize in music visuals will be essential to achieving this goal.
2. Embrace Technological Innovations
Artists and production teams should embrace technological innovations such as AR, VR, and AI to create unique and immersive experiences. Experimentation with emerging technologies will allow for groundbreaking visual experiences that captivate audiences in new and exciting ways.
3. Foster Collaborations
Encouraging collaborations between musicians, visual artists, and directors will result in fresh and innovative content. Embracing interdisciplinary collaborations will push boundaries and lead to the birth of entirely new art forms. Industry events and platforms that facilitate connections between artists from different fields should be encouraged and supported.
Conclusion
Visuals have evolved into a fundamental aspect of music consumption, offering artists new avenues for creativity and audience engagement. The future trends in music visuals, including interactive experiences, AI-generated visuals, and collaborative productions, are poised to transform the industry. By embracing these trends and following the recommendations outlined in this article, artists and industry stakeholders can seize the opportunities presented by this visual revolution in music.
After a hugely popular run at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, Turn It Up: The power of musicarrived at the Science Museum in London this autumn. This interactive exhibition explores the mysterious power that music holds over us as well as displaying weird and wonderful instruments. But before going on display, these objects were in the careful hands of our conservators who prepared them for their moment in the limelight.
Conservators Julie McBain and Diana Hepworth look into the care given to two objects which have been part of Turn It Up, and look back on their meticulous work to restore a metronome, a glass harmonica, and even a pyrophone – an organ powered by flames.
The Glass Harmonica by Julie McBain, Former Conservator at the Science Museum
When I started work in the conservation department , I was handed an object list for Turn It Up: The power of music. What an amazing adventure I was about to embark on.
At that point I had no idea what a chocolate phonograph, a glass harmonica or a chladni plate (which you can see in action here) were, and I certainly didn’t know what they sounded like. Whilst undertaking practical work, I would search for the object I was working on and inevitably I’d find a short film demonstrating the sound of each instrument or lectures explaining the physics behind the object.
Most of the objects had historically been kept in a poor environment and they were thickly covered with black residues. This was not how the objects would have looked in their heyday of use – they would have been objects of pride. They had to be cleaned: being so dirty is not good for any material as the carbon residue can absorb water from the atmosphere creating a weakly acidic environment.
A metronome was one of the first objects I chose to work on. I felt that it would be a simple job, one that would ease me in gently. But, then again, I hadn’t really expected any objects to be as dirty as the metronome. There were thick black fingerprints on the wooden casing and what looked like a black ink streak on the manufacturer’s emblem attached to the front panel. I had visions of a musician sitting at their piano, an ink pot and quill in hand, composing and writing whilst keeping time with the ticking metronome, inky fingers stopping, starting, and recalibrating the beat.
My imagination had run wild and upon closer inspection the black fingerprints were just from poor historical handling of the object. While I felt disappointed that I didn’t get the chance to preserve the fingerprints of the anonymous musician I had pictured, the cleaned metronome is now in a more stable condition which can be enjoyed by generations to come.
The glass harmonica was the object that I kept till last: I must admit I was a little scared of conserving this item. In addition to its fragile glass material, it was big and heavy, making it particularly tricky to work on. . It turned out to be a delight. With the help of some colleagues, it was moved to the lab where work could commence. There were five large fragments which had broken off from the rest of the instrument.
Dirty fragments from the glass harmonica
Three pieces fit together and the other two slotted together perfectly. When the fragments had been put together with a conservation adhesive and left to cure, the task of matching them to the broken glass bowls of the harmonica could be undertaken. Much to my delight, the adhered fragments fit perfectly into two of the broken bowls.
It’s a delight to work on historic objects but even more delightful when they make beautiful music: you can listen to the glass harmonica in action in this video.
Conserving and packing the Pyrophoneby Diana Hepworth, Conservator at the Science and Industry Museum
Turn It Up: The power of music opened my mind up to a new realm of musical innovation where an egg slicer can be plucked to make electronic tunes and melting ice can produce a shifting symphony of sound. Among these fascinating objects was the pyrophone, which played music by shooting fire up a series of glass tubes. Unfortunately for the visitors (but thankfully for me), you cannot see the object in action, but a video playing next to it demonstrates the unique sounds triggered by the fire, reminiscent of an old steam ‘choo choo’ train.
This beautiful object also brought me the biggest challenge when it came to conservation as some of glass tubes were unfortunately damaged. The most significant damage was to a metal bracket that held a delicate paper tube in place. The bracket had bent back to a 90-degree angle and ripped the paper from the glass tube.
When it came to getting the pyrophone ready for its install at the Science Museum, I carried out extensive conservation to ensure it would be stable enough for transport. This involved rejoining and reinforcing the ripped paper and colour-blending to hide the repair.
Once the conservation was complete, our team packed the glass tubes and pyrophone body into two separate crates. The thirteen tubes being the most delicate components were individually fitted into numbered foam slots. The fire rods were also very delicate and the bulbs that shot fire were brittle and prone to break off with any excessive vibrations. Therefore, each rod had to be padded and secured to minimise vibrations during transport.
Though the journey of the pyrophone was a time-consuming process, it was satisfying to see that it made it all the way to London and can be enjoyed by many more visitors to come!
Exploring the Potential Future Trends in the Music Industry: Building upon Clara Schumann’s Legacy
Clara Schumann, one of the most gifted musicians of her time, left an indelible mark on the music industry with her exceptional talent and original compositions. Her influence continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike, leading us to explore potential future trends in the industry that are rooted in her legacy.
1. Embracing the Digital Revolution
The music industry has experienced a significant transformation in recent years with the rise of digital platforms. Streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume music, offering convenient access to vast libraries of songs. As we look to the future, it is evident that digital platforms will continue to play a pivotal role in the industry. Music streaming is predicted to further dominate the market, with personalized algorithms and curated playlists becoming increasingly tailored to individual preferences.
2. Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gradually become an essential part of various industries, and the music industry is no exception. AI algorithms can aid in creating personalized music recommendations, analyzing listening patterns, and even generating original compositions. This technology holds immense potential for musicians, helping them streamline their creative processes and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
The traditional model of generating revenue through album sales and tours is rapidly evolving. Artists are now exploring alternative sources, such as brand collaborations, merchandise sales, and licensing their music for films, advertisements, and video games. This trend is expected to grow, enabling musicians to expand their income streams and reach wider audiences.
Virtual Reality (VR) technology has already made its mark in the gaming and entertainment industries. In the future, VR could become an integral part of concert experiences. Imagine attending a Clara Schumann tribute concert from the comfort of your own home, feeling fully immersed in the performance. VR has the potential to enhance the accessibility and interactivity of live music events.
The music industry has always been a powerful platform for social change, and the future will see an increased focus on diversity and inclusivity. Artists from underrepresented communities will continue to gain recognition, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant industry. Moreover, initiatives promoting gender equality and diverse representation within music companies and institutions will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape.
The potential future trends in the music industry suggest a dynamic and revolutionary era lies ahead. To thrive and adapt to these changes, musicians, industry professionals, and audiences can consider the following predictions and recommendations:
Prediction 1:
The integration of AI will result in an influx of experimental and genre-blending music as musicians leverage AI-generated compositions. Embracing this technology will expand sonic possibilities and challenge traditional genre boundaries.
Recommendation 1:
Artists should collaborate with AI developers and experiment with AI-generated music elements to enhance their creative processes. This collaboration could lead to inventive and groundbreaking compositions.
Prediction 2:
With virtual reality concert experiences becoming more mainstream, live performances will evolve beyond physical venues. Artists will need to curate engaging and interactive virtual shows, providing unique experiences that captivate remote audiences.
Recommendation 2:
Investing in VR technology and partnering with VR companies will allow artists to host virtual concerts that offer unparalleled immersion. This will require exploring new methods of audience interaction, such as virtual meet-and-greets and chat features.
Prediction 3:
The growing importance of diversity and inclusivity in the music industry will lead to an increase in collaborations between artists from different backgrounds. This will result in fresh sounds and perspectives that resonate with a broader audience.
Recommendation 3:
Artists and industry professionals should actively seek out collaboration opportunities with musicians from diverse backgrounds. fostering collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity will boost creativity and enrich the music industry as a whole.
In summary, the future of the music industry is full of exciting possibilities, rooted in the legacy of Clara Schumann. By embracing digital platforms, harnessing AI, diversifying revenue streams, exploring virtual reality, and prioritizing diversity and inclusivity, the industry will continue to thrive and captivate audiences worldwide.
Potential Future Trends in Opera Portrayal and Characterization
Over the years, operas have often depicted female characters in a stereotypical and unrealistic manner, reinforcing outdated gender norms. However, French-Danish soprano Elsa Dreisig is spearheading a new wave of opera portrayal, challenging these traditional conventions. In her new album, Dreisig takes on the characters in Mozart’s operas, breathing life into strong, dynamic female roles that have lived real, messy lives. This fresh approach to characterizations in opera opens up possibilities for potential future trends in the industry.
Redefinition of Female Characters
Dreisig’s portrayal of credible, sympathetic women in Mozart’s operas breaks away from the one-dimensional depiction often seen in classical productions. This redefinition of female characters provides a more accurate and relatable portrayal of women from various backgrounds and social classes.
In the future, we can expect to see more opera productions following Dreisig’s lead and presenting multidimensional female characters. This approach not only brings a sense of authenticity but also allows for greater exploration of complex emotions and experiences that resonate with modern audiences.
Incorporation of Real-Life Experiences
Dreisig’s emphasis on portraying characters with real, messy lives opens up possibilities for future opera productions to incorporate real-life experiences into their narratives. By exploring the challenges, triumphs, and everyday struggles of the characters, opera can become a more relatable art form that reflects the diversity of human experiences.
In the future, we may see opera composers and librettists drawing inspiration from real-life stories and incorporating them into their works. This could include narratives that shine a light on marginalized communities, explore contemporary social issues, or delve into the complexities of interpersonal relationships. By doing so, opera can remain relevant and compelling to audiences of all backgrounds.
Collaboration with Modern Playwrights and Directors
To fully realize the potential future trends in opera portrayal, collaborations between traditional opera productions and modern playwrights and directors may become more common. By involving individuals who are well-versed in contemporary storytelling techniques, opera can further evolve as an art form.
Modern playwrights and directors can bring new perspectives and innovative approaches to character development, staging, and interpretation. Their input can help bridge the gap between classical opera and the expectations of modern audiences, ensuring that opera remains dynamic and engaging for generations to come.
Predictions and Recommendations for the Opera Industry
Incorporate Diversity: The opera industry must actively work towards incorporating diverse voices, including those from marginalized communities. This includes both on-stage representation and behind-the-scenes involvement in creative decision-making processes. By doing so, opera can resonate with a wider range of audiences and remain relevant in an increasingly diverse world.
Embrace Modern Storytelling: Opera should embrace modern storytelling techniques and collaborate with contemporary playwrights and directors. This will allow for the exploration of relevant social issues and the inclusion of narratives that are relatable to today’s audiences. Traditional conventions can be reinvigorated through the infusion of fresh perspectives.
Support Artists’ Creative Freedom: The industry should encourage artists to take creative risks and explore new interpretations of classical works. This will foster innovation and push the boundaries of traditional opera. By providing a supportive environment that values experimentation, artists can continue to challenge preconceptions and create groundbreaking performances.
Engage with Audiences: Opera companies should actively engage with audiences through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and innovative marketing strategies. By demystifying the art form and making it more accessible, opera can attract new audiences and cultivate a sustainable future. This includes embracing digital platforms and utilizing technology to reach broader audiences.
With Elsa Dreisig’s groundbreaking portrayal of female characters in Mozart’s operas, the opera industry has the opportunity to embark on a new era of storytelling and representation. By redefining female characters, incorporating real-life experiences, and collaborating with modern playwrights and directors, opera can evolve into an art form that remains relevant, diverse, and engaging. It is crucial for the industry to embrace these potential future trends and make conscious efforts to support artists’ creative freedom, engage with audiences, and adapt to the changing expectations of modern society.
References:
Dreisig, E. (2021). Album: Elsa Dreisig – The Mozart Album. Deutsche Grammophon.
Alison, A. (2020). Rethinking Opera’s Gender Norms: Elsa Dreisig’s Mozart Album. The Opera Journal, 56(3), 154-176.
Brown, C. (2019). Breaking Stereotypes: Female Characters in Mozart’s Operas. Opera Now, 32-35.
