Is a Computer an Instrument?

Go!Love · 03-23-2010, 07:56 PM

in·stru·ment
/ˈɪnstrəmənt/ Show Spelled[in-struh-muhnt] Show IPA
–noun
A contrivance or apparatus for producing musical sounds: a stringed instrument.

A friend of mine and myself got into an interesting conversation today, wondering if the computer could be considered an instrument. In the end, the debate came down to semantics, a squabble over words in deciding if it was the computer that played the music or if it was the software. When it boils down, however, and you look at the heart of the matter, we both agreed, to an extent, that the computer can be considered a musical instrument.

Now, I don't play any "real" instruments. However, I do have software that allows me to create my own, original music and make it sound like a lot of different instruments. If I were to ever publish any music, I would never claim myself a musician, nor would I bother pretending that I had any actual skill in the field.

It sounds funny to answer somebody who asks what instrument you play with: "My computer." But, the question lies with everyone. Would you consider the computer, an instrument?

03-23-2010, 07:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Go!Love Groupie Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 22	Is a Computer an Instrument? in·stru·ment /ˈɪnstrəmənt/ Show Spelled[in-struh-muhnt] Show IPA –noun A contrivance or apparatus for producing musical sounds: a stringed instrument. A friend of mine and myself got into an interesting conversation today, wondering if the computer could be considered an instrument. In the end, the debate came down to semantics, a squabble over words in deciding if it was the computer that played the music or if it was the software. When it boils down, however, and you look at the heart of the matter, we both agreed, to an extent, that the computer can be considered a musical instrument. Now, I don't play any "real" instruments. However, I do have software that allows me to create my own, original music and make it sound like a lot of different instruments. If I were to ever publish any music, I would never claim myself a musician, nor would I bother pretending that I had any actual skill in the field. It sounds funny to answer somebody who asks what instrument you play with: "My computer." But, the question lies with everyone. Would you consider the computer, an instrument?