Music Business Foundations: Innovation and Growth in the Music Industry | Berklee Online 2/42

Summary

The video script explores the evolution of the music industry, emphasizing how it has adapted to technological advancements over time. From the early days of sheet music and the rise of piano rolls to the impact of radio, records, and the world wars, the script highlights key moments where innovation and entrepreneurship shaped the industry. It debunks myths about the industry's demise, illustrating how each technological shift—whether through mechanical reproductions or digital formats—has created new opportunities. The narrative underscores the resilience and continuous growth of the music industry throughout its history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The music industry is experiencing a paradigm shift from physical to digital formats, but it is not dying. Despite challenges, there are areas of growth like live performance and digital sales.
• 😀 Historically, people have predicted the end of the music industry multiple times, but these claims have always been exaggerated.
• 😀 In the 1890s, sheet music was the main product sold in the music industry, alongside live performances, with companies like Shapiro Bernstein and Mills Music leading the way.
• 😀 The invention of the piano roll in the early 20th century was seen as a threat to sheet music sales, but instead of causing collapse, it led to the growth of both the print and piano roll industries.
• 😀 Early entrepreneurs in the music business, like Harry Pace, established Black Swan Records in Harlem, proving that black-owned music companies existed long before Motown.
• 😀 The 1920s saw the rise of recorded music, especially through the success of black female blues singers like Mamie Smith and Ethel Waters, who became major stars.
• 😀 Despite concerns that recorded music would replace sheet music, both the record industry and the print music industry continued to grow, even during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
• 😀 The introduction of radio in the 1930s was initially feared by the music industry, but it actually helped promote recorded music and increased record sales.
• 😀 The Second World War and the use of materials for the war effort caused disruption in the record industry, but the expansion of radio, including the Armed Forces Radio Network, helped boost the music industry globally.
• 😀 After the war, the sale of musical instruments surged, driven by returning soldiers inspired by the music they heard on the radio. This led to the creation of Berklee College of Music by Lawrence Berk to teach jazz and big band music to veterans.

Q & A

What is the core idea of the music industry as mentioned in the transcript?

The music industry is the intersection of art and commerce, built on technological innovation and entrepreneurship, and is currently undergoing a paradigm shift from physical formats to digital formats.

How does the speaker respond to claims that the music industry is 'dying'?

The speaker states that the rumors of the music industry dying are greatly exaggerated, pointing out areas of growth such as live performances, digital sales, and streaming services.

What historical comparison does the speaker draw to show that the music industry has faced similar challenges before?

The speaker compares current challenges to past moments in the music industry's history, such as the rise of the piano roll, radio, and the impact of the Great Depression, all of which were initially seen as threats to the industry but ultimately led to growth.

What role did sheet music play in the early music business?

In the 1890s, sheet music was a major product in the music business, sold alongside live performances, and was a common way for middle-class families to engage with music after attending shows.

What was the reaction of the music industry when the piano roll was introduced?

The music industry initially feared that the piano roll would kill the sheet music business, as it offered a way for people to hear songs without needing to play them themselves.

How did the music industry adapt to the introduction of the piano roll?

Congress amended the Copyright Act to ensure that publishers received mechanical royalties from the sale of piano rolls, allowing both the sheet music and piano roll markets to coexist and even thrive.

What impact did radio have on the music industry in the 1930s?

In the 1930s, radio was initially seen as a threat by the recording and publishing industries, but it ultimately helped increase record sales by promoting artists, and sheet music sales continued to grow.

How did World War II impact the music industry?

World War II caused a shortage of materials like lacquer for making records and led to a drop in record production. However, radio, particularly the Armed Forces Radio Network, played a crucial role in spreading American music worldwide, which helped the industry rebound after the war.

What innovation did Lawrence Berk bring to the music industry after World War II?

After World War II, Lawrence Berk founded the Schillinger House (later Berklee College of Music) to offer jazz music education, catering to returning veterans who were interested in learning how to play in big bands and jazz ensembles.

How does the speaker emphasize the connection between technological innovation and entrepreneurship in the music industry?

The speaker highlights that both technological innovations (like the piano roll, radio, and records) and entrepreneurial efforts (such as Black Swan Records and Berklee College of Music) were essential to the music industry's evolution and growth throughout the 20th century.