Information Systems Development and Music: The Exploration of a Parallelism

The author examines numerous parallels between information systems and music. Roles played by individuals involved in the creation and performance of music are shown to correspond to parallel roles in the creation and implementation of information systems. Examples include correspondences between the user, in information systems, and the audience, in music. Similarly, many processes or elements---such as analysis, design and programming, among others---are common to both domains. For instance, thematic transformation in music composition can be seen to correspond to a form of programming logic in information systems. The author also notes that while many elements of information systems can be mapped onto musical functions, the analogy does not hold in all instances---in particular, the importance of subjectivity and interpretation in music does not have a parallel in information systems, where the complete objectivity of the computer and reproducibility of results are paramount. The development of an information system and the creation and performance of a piece of music may be viewed as having a great deal in common. Information system roles such as user, analyst, designer, programmer and implementor can be mapped onto various music roles, such as audience, composer, conductor, performer, etc. (although not necessarily respectively). Going beyond personal roles, we can draw other analogies in regards the processes common to each domain, such as analysis, design, programming, testing, implementation and maintenance. Although the relationship is not an exact isomorphism, there are significant parallels. In exploring these parallels, I will present here the most common elements from the domain of information systems development, and for each explore the corresponding element from the realm of music.