Influence Of Music: Legal And Illegal Downloads

Music has been around since day 1.  It has evolved throughout centuries and it has influenced most if not all areas of the human existence. 

Now a day, music can just be downloaded through the Internet and played through your iPod together with an in ceiling radio and in ceiling speakers.  These music downloads usually come in mp3 format, legal or illegal.  Unlike in the past, music was so expensive and one has to go to a retail store to get their favorite music in tape, LPs or CD format before they can listen to it.

But what is it with downloading that it has become so phenomenal in this generation?  According to Andy Heath, director of British record company Beggars Group said: "Clearly the biggest problem with illegally downloaded music is that there is a generation who feel it is natural that music and all creative content is free".  This might be true if you are talking to a person who doesn’t worry about their finances or those who do art and music just for fun but they have tons of inheritance to use while doing their music.  But when you are dealing with artist or musicians who are doing it not just for the sake of art but as a professional who needs to earn and support his or her family, the statement that creative content should be free might be offensive for them.

Music downloading can be legal or illegal.  Downloading through iTunes and Amazon.com are the legal sites wherein you can buy your favorite music for a price.  These sites are multimillion online businesses and the reason why people would go for these sites is basically for convenience.  On the other hand, illegal downloads or what we call as “piracy” is more rampant than the former.  A study conducted in Australia would show why people download music illegally and this might be true for across all culture and nationality.

The study actually proves that the reason why people download illegally is because of price and convenience.  People will be more inclined to download illegally instead of paying few bucks while getting the almost the same quality as the original one.  Others would also do it for the sake of getting the music that they want without waiting for the release date.  That is why music companies right now are doing worldwide release date.  This may somehow reduce piracy around the globe.

While downloading music illegally has become a norm, it is still considered morally wrong to do it.  You may be able to play the music that you want with almost the same quality using your in ceiling radio through your iPod for free but you are actually killing the actual industry that is making that music. 

Don’t settle for fake.  Get only the best that your money can buy.  

Music Enhances Employee Productivity

Moods and behavior are greatly influenced by music.  Employee productivity is influenced greatly by music.  Will installing an in ceiling radio inside your office lobby or inside your company’s pantry increase your employee’s performance thus resulting to greater productivity?  Although there not too many studies that prove that indeed music can influence one’s performance, there are still a lot of people who are doing great at what they do and would prefer listening to music while working.

Have you heard of the Mozart effect?  Let me quote it from lifehacker.com and it says “It suggest that listening to certain kinds of music—Amadeus Wolfgang's classical works, in particular—impacts and boosts one's spatial-temporal reasoning, or the ability to think out long-term, more abstract solutions to logical problems that arise.”  Different studies show that listening to Mazart songs does not increases one’s IQ but it induces a short-term improvement on the performance of certain kinds of metal tasks.

Does music really have a positive effect on the productivity of the employee?  A retail company tested the effects of music on their employees by giving out stereos to wear for four weeks while working.  After the trial they achieved a 10% increase in productivity from those who wore the stereos.  A similar study was conducted at University of Illinois and they found a 6.3% increase when compared with the no music control group.  In Canada, some software developers were tested and study show that they were at their lowest productivity when they had no background music to listen to.  It also showed that it took them more time to finish a task in the absence of music.  On the other hand, there was a positive mood change and enhanced perception when music was played while they were working.  Researchers from University of Windsor noted that this positive change in mood correlated with increased curiosity, which was an excellent thing to have when doing creative work.

Bottom line is, no matter how many times it is proven that music has indeed a correlation with employee’s productivity and performance, it still depends on the individual if he will be persuaded by the music or not.  Listen to music that will influence you positively.  Learn to read the lyrics first before listening to it.  These lyrics will enter your subconscious and will be stored there for a period of time.  So it is very important that you filter the music that you listen to.

Music is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind and it will definitely help you be more productive.  Question is will you be influenced by it or not.  

Factors To Consider Before Buying Those Speakers

The overall sound quality of your systems would depend on the quality of your speakers.  It is imperative to consider the factors that will greatly influence your decision in buying one. 

You might have a good radio inside your kitchen but with a low quality in ceiling speaker, it renders the former useless.  An in ceiling radio in the absence of a quality speaker is powerless.  It will just be an ordinary transmitter.

Here are some considerations that you might want to look into before purchasing your speakers:

   1.     Personal Opinion – It all depends on how you define and perceive quality.  Every person is unique and has different tastes when it comes to music.  What may be best for others may not be best for you.  Bring a CD while choosing the speakers.  Test it before deciding.  You alone can judge if the sound quality has passed your standards.  Play music with low base and high treble.  Don’t rush, take time to listen.

2.     Speaker Requirement – This is crucial.  You have to determine what type of speakers are you looking for.  Is it for the kitchen or the bathroom?  Will it be mounted or exposed?  Do you have enough space or do you prefer minimal exposure?  Is it for a home theater system or for a regular transmitter?  Once you determine and answer these questions, it would be easier.  There are several types of speakers such as bookshelf, floor standing, satellite, in-wall and on-wall models.  Check out their differences.

    ·      Floor standing – the largest of the 4 types, a traditional audiophile speaker that produces the most bass and has the largest soundstage; preferred by home theater enthusiast.

    ·      Bookshelf – almost the same as floor standing but is a little smaller thus would occupy smaller space.  This speaker is usually placed in an elevated surface.

    ·      In Wall – performs well and takes no space at all; yes you’re right, it can even be invisible to the eye.  These speakers are mounted inside your walls.  These speakers are a bit difficult to install and dismantle which might require a professional to ensure quality.

    ·     On wall - it compliments flat wall TVs; performance and quality is comparable with floor standing speakers

3.     Power vs. Performance – Speakers should be matched with the receiver or the amplifier; the speakers power should match the power that the receiver or amplifier is giving.  To know more about speaker efficiency, click this link.

You don’t have to be an expert to know which one has the best quality of sound.  It all depends on you and your preference.