Because of the new musical instruments and new forms of recording now available, a brand-new set of opportunities for contemporary composers has opened up. This, by the way, is something I predicted a long time ago, and have been working and waiting for. First was the electric guitar boom, propelling the acoustic and hybrid guitars of various kinds, including the electric bass, into prominence. No longer any need for the agonizing delays to get a performance.
Notation becomes an auxiliary, rather than dominating and intimidating the composer at every turn.
These new keyboards are rapidly changing and adding new features while the design and capabilities of the piano remain almost exactly what they were 110 years ago. Out there in the Real World, the average piano has been deteriorating, getting out of tune and out of whack, since few people can afford all the repair and maintenance as well as tuning, that the piano must have. However the Image of the Piano as it was in the Days of Its Glory is still alive and well, and classical recordings maintain that Image for many listeners. If chemistry courses were as far behind as harmony courses, we would still be teaching and believing in the Phlogiston Theory. Thirty years ago I lived within walking distance of the Music Department of a University and could observe at the many recitals and concerts how originality and creativity were being trained and drilled out of the composers and performers presented.