Introduction to Commercial Music in Context

1. Commercial Music In Context
This module aims to develop
your understanding of the
social, cultural and economic
contexts within which
commercial music exists.

2. Task 1: Research proposal [No Learning
Outcomes]:
You must submit a one thousand (1000 +/-10%)
word research proposal that gives a brief
introduction to the subject area and clearly justifies
its appropriateness for investigation.You must also
list a portfolio of research evidence and resources,
and explain the function and credibility of each
resource in relation to your area of study.
To be submitted electronically on 16.12.2013

3. Task 2: Research Essay [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3]:
For this task you will produce a four thousand
(4000 +/-10%) word research paper on a topic that
you will select in negotiation with your tutor.All
essays must be well structured and show clear
evidence of individual research into the given
subject matter.All references to research material
used in the text must be clearly labelled in
accordance with the APA referencing system and
supported by a bibliography and/ or appropriate
indexing at the end of the essay.
To be submitted electronically on 12.05.2013

4. Commercial Music In Context
Defining “commercial
music”
Is it the same as “pop”?
So what is “pop”?

5. Commercial Music In Context
Some definitions of Pop:
Pop as in “liked (easily accessed) by lots of people”
Pop as in “Music of and for the people”
Pop as in “Mass-marketed, Mass communications”
Pop as a technological form
Popular as a style or genre.

6. Commercial Music In Context
Examples of artists whose
music does not sit easily
within these definitions?

7. Commercial Music In Context
The “Mainstream” vs. the
“Underground”

8. Commercial Music In Context
Mainstream -
A genre in music that is often
defined by widely-accepted and
currently-popular standards,
trends, and hypes that have
been established by the media.

9. Commercial Music In Context
Underground -
A genre in music for an elite
audience, that is often characterised
by its high levels of originality and
experimentation, and does not
conform to typical standards, trends,
or hypes as set by the popular
mainstream media.

10. Commercial Music In Context
"the
mainstream
comes to you,
but you have to
go to the
underground."

11. Commercial Music In Context
Produce a rough “elevator pitch” for a
research proposal, including sources of
research
How does the subject enable you to discuss
social, cultural and economic factors?