The Three Main Types Of Music

As a producer or a composer it’s important to really know the appeal of certain music genres. Certain music genres can be put into three categories.

1. Popular Music

2. Niche Music

3. Academic Music

Popular Music needs little explanation, and can be defined as music that has had commercial success, and/or can be defined as music that adheres to a pop structure, such as verse/chorus/verse/chorus. The fanbase for popular music artists is huge but also fickle.

Niche Music can be described as music that is popular within a particular circuit or genre, such as the many sub-genres of dance music, folk, blues, jazz, hip-hop, urban, world music, classical and metal. These styles have popularity within their own field, but they usually have a loyal fanbase rather than a fickle, popular fanbase.

Academic Music can be described as music that is often discussed and praised within a research or academic field. There is almost no market for this kind of music. However, this type of music shows a greater depth and experimentation of musical ideas. Avant-garde, computer music and some classical music are examples of genres within academic music.

This categorization provides significance when making your own music. Different genres can crossover in these music types, but the success and appeal of your own music ultimately depends on your choice from these three types.