1.According to Krukowski, what are the main differences between a microphone and a cellphone and why is this difference important?

The microphone is a digital device which is more complicated than cellphone. It can convey speakers’ or singers’ feelings and emotions. But cellphone is not very good at it which just transfer our voice and words from our mouth to somewhere else. Therefore, it is extremely for musicians to master the skill of microphone in order to make their listeners feel that they are just singing near their ears which is better for listeners to feel musicians’ emotions in music.

2.What do Krukowski and Gary Tomlinson, the professor he interviews, assert about the “musical” qualities of the voice and how are these changed by digital transmission?

The “quality” of the voice is not only about the word you say or sing, it is much more about the feeling or emotions you express which will influence listeners in their minds. However, sometimes the digital transmission will weaken this influence. What you hear is just the words, the emotional and impressive parts of voice disappear in the process of transmission.

3.What is the significance of Krukowski’s comments on the voice to ideas about community and interpersonal connection?

Sometimes due to the distance between people, we can not meet everyone in our life. But our voice can reach further than our bodies. It connects people from different places tightly. Our voice is a kind of media to let us travel around the world.

4.Krukowski begins by discussing the issue of music file sharing. What is your opinion of this issue? Should music be freely available or should one have to pay?

I think there are two sides of music file sharing. The first side, the music sharing is a good thing for those who love music but can’t afford every CDs. Through music file sharing, they can enjoy their favorite music without any cost. The second side, the music file sharing means the music is free for everyone. It is unprofitable for musicians. Some of them will confront financial problems when they produce new albums. The question of the price of music is a little bit difficult to answer. I think it’s all up to you. If you have extra money, you can buy it to support their career. If not, music can be freely available.

5.How does this episode represent the relationships between music, community, and culture?

The relationship between music, community and culture is interrelated tightly. The specific culture will create the specific music. And that specific music will promote community development. Meanwhile, the development of our community will encourage cultural creation.

6.Does charging money for music impede the formation of communities around this music or does it help support the circulation of music?

I think charging money for music will impede the formation of communities around music slightly. Because finance is one of the most significant points in every field. And it is no doubt that it will help support the circulation of music by increasing musicians’ creative motivation.