AI Assignment Music Composition Assignments William Wieland
Background

With Advancements in Technology, is AI Really a Threat to Human Composers? from I CARE IF YOU LISTEN, a program of American Composers Forum

Generative AI Applications: Tod Machover, Professor, MIT Media Lab and MIT Opera of the Future Group Director
Research Component — How can composers use AI?
Large Language Models (LLM) Possible prompts (with any LLM)
  • Describe effective AI prompt writing.
  • How can I be more creative?
  • List 21st century techniques for composing concert music.
  • List ten music compositions that are utterly different from one another and explain how they are different.
Large Language Models are perhaps the most well-known types of AI. As the name implies, the interface is language. Words may be somewhat useful for composers (Note my possible prompts.) but in my experience, LLMs do not create music very well. (I “conversed” with ChatGPT to create a lead sheet. It was bad.) LLMs remind me of the maxim, “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.”
Music Generation Models Possible prompts
  • Compose fast, rhythmic music for soprano, clarinet, and piano in the style of Roger Quilter.
  • Compose energetic, unpredictable music for flute solo.
  • Compose a short SATB motet in the style of Arvo Pärt.
In my attempts, music generation models were good at composing repetitive popular styles and atmospheric background sound, but poor at composing concert music.
Reviews and Examples
Listening Component — Find and listen to compositions that were created entirely or in part with AI. Share at least one piece with the class.

Composition Component — Compose a piece using AI in some way. (See “Research Component” above.)

Share your music and your creative process with the class.