Elevator Music’s Evolution
Elevator music, also known as background music or muzak, has been a ubiquitous feature in elevators around the world for decades. While the term “elevator music” may conjure up images of bland and generic tunes, the history of this type of music is much more nuanced and interesting than one might expect. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of elevator music and the role that music plays in enhancing the elevator experience.
The history of elevator music dates back to the early 20th century when the first commercial elevators were installed in office buildings and hotels. At the time, elevators were a novelty, and people were often anxious about riding in them. Elevator operators were employed to soothe passengers’ nerves and make the experience more pleasant, and music was one of the tools they used to achieve this.
The first elevator music was typically played on a live piano or organ, and the repertoire included popular songs, hymns, and classical music. However, the introduction of recorded music in the 1920s revolutionized the industry, and elevator music became more widespread and standardized.
In the 1930s, the term “muzak” was coined by a company called Muzak Holdings, which began producing and distributing background music for commercial use. Muzak became known for its scientifically designed music that was intended to create a specific mood or atmosphere. For example, slow, relaxing music might be used in a doctor’s waiting room to soothe anxious patients, while more upbeat music might be played in a retail store to increase sales. Continue…
