Instant Music While You Work

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32361, 29 July 1970, Page 10

Instant Music While You Work

Instant music is no ordinary music. Essentially it is background music which is heard but not listened to.

It is not specially composed for the purpose, but, so as to be fully effective, it is most carefully and scientifically programmed. Mainly instrumental and consisting of well-known melodies, it is aimed at achieving controlled emotional stimulus. It is not too slow, too fast, too loud or too soft. Songs are omitted since there • can be unconscious effort to listen to the lyrics. Obviously not everyone can produce a programme which is precisely effective. A knowledge of the psychological add physiological processes of people at work must be matched by a knowledge of music. A special depth of discernment on the part of the programmer is necessary, plus the more practical aspect of access to vast resources of music. Head Office , In Christchurch, instant music is supplied by Instant Music, Ltd, which is the national headquarters of this service. Instant Music has assembled all of the skills and equipment and is one of the very few systems which provides an effective musical background which goes beyond the point of entertainment. Whereas in shops Instant Music is primarily for customer influence, in banks and offices it can be utilised quite differently. Experience in many countries has established that inefficiences in such environments are caused generally by boredom, nervous tension, fatigue, bickering, chattering and other interuptions. Test Made Instant Music cannot eliminate these factors entirely but it can reduce substantially the problems of boredom, fatigue and nervous tension. It also has the effect of reducing chatting and time-wasting. Obviously the benefits are greater where the work tends to be repetitive in nature. To all those whose work involves mental effort and strain, Instant Music

can act like a vitamin to the psychological system of the mind. Tests in a Christchurch factory showed an 11 per cent increase in productivity when Instant Music was introduced. This is in line with results from similar research overseas. Light, Popular Customer reactions to music in banks and offices have been overwhelmingly favourable. More importantly, the largest investment section in an office or bank—the staff—responds by greater efficiency, more friendliness, less absenteeism and lower job turnover. A greater individual capacity will result, a higher collective capacity will develop. Music can help establish the desired atmosphere. It

can play its part along with the decor, and service in contributing to the enjoyment of the cuisine. In the minds of many diners good food and good music go together. Instant Music provides precisely the right sort of background. It does not intrude into conversations, it does not demand listening to, nor does it distract. Selections are light and popular, programmed to be a relaxing influence. For restaurants, hotels and motels, reception areas, etc., Instant Music operates a continuous 24-hour a day, seven day a week service. Paging systems are not interfered with, and floorshows or other entertainment can utilise the amplifier and speaker systems if required. Instant Music operates in smiliar fashion to a radio station, except that the programmes are conveyed by land lines from the transmission studio to the central telephone exchange where they are further distributed to each subscriber by a special line. The Instant Music programme is received by the subscriber and is pro-

cessed by an amplifier and conveyed to as many speakers as are necessary. Speaker controls ensure the required volume. Instant Music is inexpensive. Where a subscriber does not already own equipment it can be purchased outright at a low rate or alternatively, it can be leased. Paging systems can be incorporated in such equipment. Experience has shown that music in retail stores helps create an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness. It relaxes customers (and relaxed customers are spending customers) and helps hold them in the store. Music also establishes an enviroment of prestige and generally makes the store a good place to visit. The picture below shows a typical Instant Music setup as found in the four main centres. Each machine is capable of taking 14in spools of tapeeach tape being able to carry. 24 hours of new programme. Apart from the tape decks, the cabinets and all electronics were designed in Christchurch. All music is transmitted over telephone lines.