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Folk music was important form of music that arose in the 20th Century. Arising in places where commercialisation of culture was yet to emerge, this was music by and of the people. The oral tradition of the music was shared (word of mouth) and the performances carried out be entire communities of people, rather than one expert individual performer.
The term folk music took on a new meaning as time progressed. It became associated with a form of music that was actually a spin off from what was actually folk music. Performers included Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, The Byrds, Neil Young, The Brothers Four, The Mamas and The Papas and so on. The music itself was notable for its simplicity and the socially conscious lyrics that would often be written about the time at hand. As a result it was often compared to country music and bluegrass.
Today the most popular form of music is an ambiguous for known simply as pop Various different style can be attributed to pop, but its most common form is the music of performers such as popular Boy Bands such as NSync. Pop music is usually popular due to its ease upon which it fits into popular culture and the ease of commercial distribution. All of the factors associated would not be possible without the developments of the 20th Century.
Music in the 20th Century was largely affected by the popularity of the radio, which along with other advances such as new recording studios made music more accessible. As a result musicians were able to spread their message worldwide and not just in concert halls. Since then concerts have also stepping up and become a much more visual affair, with video screen aiding the music. As transportation improved, musicians were able to travel further so new fans could enjoy the concerts themselves. Amplification of sound meant those far away from the stage could still hear, and the reproduction and transmission or broadcast of music meant that people at home could enjoy the show without ever having to be there.
This also opened up the door to experimentation, where artists could mix up and break existing rules that governed music. As a result of new musical instruments new forms of music could evolve such as Eastern, Middle-Eastern, Latin and Western and all sorts of mixing between them.