Introduction: The Intersection of AI and Music
The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and music is not a new phenomenon. Yet, as AI continues to evolve, it is beginning to transform the music composition process in ways never before thought possible. This union is paving the way for a new era of creativity, where composers are equipped with a novel toolset that can revolutionize their approach to crafting melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. However, this is not a new concept of blending the technology (especially in terms of new algorithms) of the day with music composition.
Historical Use of Algorithms in Music: Schoenberg and Xenakis
Long before the advent of AI, composers have been using algorithmic or systematic methods to generate musical content. Two prime examples of this are Arnold Schoenberg and Iannis Xenakis, both of whom pushed the boundaries of composition using what can be considered early forms of algorithmic composition.
Arnold Schoenberg: The Twelve-Tone Technique
Arnold Schoenberg, an Austrian composer, is renowned for his development of the twelve-tone technique. This method, also known as dodecaphony or twelve-tone serialism, involves the arrangement of the twelve pitches of the chromatic scale into a series or 'tone row'. This series serves as the melodic, harmonic, and structural basis for a piece of music. The technique enforces an equality of importance on all twelve tones, which was a radical departure from the tonal hierarchy that had dominated Western music for centuries. Although this process isn't algorithmic in the computational sense, it is an algorithm in the broader definition, a set of rules or procedures for solving a problem—in this case, the problem of composing music.
Iannis Xenakis: Stochastic Music
Iannis Xenakis, a Greek-French composer, took algorithmic composition to a new level with the introduction of stochastic processes into music. Stochastic music is a method of composing that uses mathematical processes based on probability theory. Xenakis used stochastic models to generate the macro- and micro-structures of his compositions, from large-scale formal designs down to individual pitches and rhythms. His work was a precursor to many of the algorithmic processes used in computer music and AI composition today.
From Algorithms to AI
While Schoenberg and Xenakis were pioneers in their time, the advent of AI has brought about a new era in algorithmic composition. Today's composers have a much more sophisticated toolset at their disposal, enabling them to explore the musical landscape in ways that were unimaginable in the past. The union of AI and music, therefore, represents not a revolution, but an evolution, a continuation of a journey that composers like Schoenberg and Xenakis began.
The Power of AI: Redefining the Boundaries of Creativity
At the heart of this transformation is the capacity of AI to redefine the boundaries of musical creativity. AI, with its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns, can suggest new melodic structures, chord progressions, and rhythmic patterns based on a wide range of musical styles and genres. This capability opens up a vast landscape of new possibilities for composers, enabling them to tap into musical ideas they might not have otherwise considered. Some companies enabling musicians to tap into this potential are Staccato, who allo digital music creators to use their tools with MIDI music either through notation software or DAWS, and Google even released their new audio music generator MusicLM, which can allow users to write text and get short music samples based on that text.
AI as a Collaborative Tool: Enhancing the Compositional Process
AI is not designed to replace the music composer but to act as a tool for enhancing the compositional process. By offering fresh perspectives and insights, AI can help composers to think outside their established creative boxes. It can suggest different directions or solutions that a composer might not think of, leading to innovative compositions that push the boundaries of traditional music-making. This is also a more ethical approach that companies like Staccato offer where the AI is more of a co-writer instead of trying to replace the humans entirely in the process.
Innovative Applications: Real-World Examples of AI in Music Composition
The use of AI in music composition is not a distant future prediction but a present reality. Music software company Staccato is already integrating AI into its platform, offering AI-driven tools that can assist in composition and even lyrics. As AI continues to evolve and mature, its influence on music composition is set to expand. The future soundscape promises an exciting blend of human creativity and AI capabilities. While the technology's full impact remains to be seen, one thing is certain: AI is opening up a new world of possibilities for music composers, enabling them to think in new ways and create music that transcends traditional boundaries. Arnold Schoenberg once said that his use of integrating an algorithmic approach into his music composition was “out of necessity” and it seems as though this still may hold true for the growing list of creators already integrating AI into their creative workflow.
Dr. Jeffrey Lupker, Co-founder, Staccato
International Speaker & Published Author on Deep Learning & Music.
Dr. Lupker has published peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has given lectures internationally in the fields of deep learning, machine learning and music. Beyond Staccato and his own research, Dr. Lupker is an active performer on guitar and keyboards and has played across Canada and USA with award winning artists.