N’SYNC. Backstreet Boys. Sound familiar? Most kids born after the ‘90s probably have never even heard of them.

Over a decade ago, these artists along with many others seemed to be as popular as can be, but now it’s hard to find anybody who knows what happened to them or where they are now. Of course, much of this is because the type of music that is popular is changing all the time, but some kinds of music never get old.

The previously mentioned artists have pretty much been forgotten only years after their peak in popularity but some musicians have managed to be remembered long after their death.

Look at Elvis and Michael Jackson for example. It’s been decades since Elvis’s death and he’s still a household name while Jackson only seemed to become even more popular after his death.

And some musicians have managed to stay remembered even after centuries.

Although Beethoven and Mozart aren’t generally as popular as some of the top artists nowadays, it’s quite a feat to have been remembered for so long.

But what is it that makes them live through their music so long after their death? “First of all they extended the music in one way or another,” said Professor of guitar studies Frank Markovich. “As an example, before Bach, harmony was either two lines or at the most, chords were triads (three note chords). Bach and other contemporaries started adding in seventh chords and developing a method for harmony that is still the basis for all music today.”

On the other hand, modern music is much more rhythmic but is still based on the methods classical composers used. Michael Jackson, Elvis and The Beatles all combined longstanding practices along with good use of rhythm and the blues.

“It is hard to listen to Michael Jackson without tapping your foot,” said Markovich. “You most likely wouldn’t do that with the classical composers.”

Although a great beat can be helpful, the melody is one of the most important reasons some musicians are stronger than others.

“We find that their composition is so organized while sounding simple and straight forward,” said music instructor Zachary Bruno. “When writing music, compositions that sound easy are recognizable and catchy so critics and people who listen find joy in that type of music.”

“This skill comes into play from years and years of listening to all sorts of styles, good and bad, what works and what doesn’t. Hours are spent listening, taking notes, practicing writing music and seeing how it comes out,” said Bruno.

“I think great composers were definitely mindful of the subtle details in music writing, capable of manipulating how we feel when listening to their works,” said music education major George Stickles. “From Bach, Mozart and even Mahler, they were pros at deceiving one’s expectations and knowing that just one note can make all the difference.”

Overall, it’s the melody that keeps a musician remembered over time and few musicians manage to achieve this. However, there are other ways artists can get into the spotlight.

Many artists don’t write their own songs but instead gain popularity simply for their performance. For example, Christina Aguilera doesn’t compose what she sings but she gained fame simply from her distinct voice.

Justin Bieber is currently one of the most popular artists right now but that doesn’t necessarily have to do with his music.

“Justin Bieber is incredibly popular because of his sex appeal with young women,” said Bruno.

Much of his popularity roots from outside of his actual music and more from physical appeal but as Bruno said, “divorcing music from the market is difficult to do.”

Looking at the history of past artists may predict Bieber’s future though.

Although N’SYNC and Backstreet Boys were once very popular, it was mostly younger people who listened to them. As the artists aged, they became distant from their audience and they eventually became forgotten in time.

Since Bieber won’t remain young forever, he will most likely be disassociated from his young fans and suffer the same fate.

However, there are artists who attempt to combine both musical skill with presentation instead of just a single one.

“Some of their music is catchy and some is interesting,” said Markovich. Lady Gaga is accomplished in marketing herself, Katy Perry maintains her looks along with her music and Taylor Swift expresses her music in ways that younger girls can relate to.

“Time will tell, but my estimation is that at any point in popular music only a few artists will last over time,” said Markovich. “Music is always changing. One thing I encourage students to do is
listen to as many styles as possible.”

Although the popular styles are always evolving, it will always be the methods set in place by the classical composers that will make an artist widespread.

“It’s a joy for me in my life to discover and rediscover the ways the composers of the 1700’s might influence the composers of 2012,” said Bruno.