Music for Development in the Digital Age

Abstract

The music world has had its share of Internet-led shake-ups. Digital piracy and the advertisement rules of platforms like YouTube are major concerns. But there are also opportunities: online marketing, arts education, cultural awareness, and nation branding are particularly notable. How can development practice take advantage of these opportunities? This discussion stresses (1) giving artists the capability to use the Internet effectively; (2) prioritizing open Internet access, especially in rural areas; (3) considering strong antitrust provisions in media ownership; (4) granting such provisions as solar tax credits to artists or creative businesses where needed; (5) targeting cultural elements that may inhibit Internet access for female artists; (6) promoting intellectual property training; and (7) creating a platform that carries traditional music for development.