Music 590C - Music, Computers, and AI

This course explores the confluence of music and artificial intelligence. We will dive into the evolution of music AI, from its historical roots to contemporary innovations innovations. The approach will cut across disciplines, with students being introduced to the basic architectures of computational models like Hidden Markov Models and Generative Pretrained Transformers, while also reading commentaries about ways that these machines challenge our notions of artistry and creativity. We will particularly focus on the technical and aesthetic reasons that music has proven a more difficult medium for AI to master than other types of digital content. The course is designed for musicians, and no prior knowledge of computer coding or mathematics is required.

Open to BMUS-MUSIC, BA-MUSIC, and MM-MUSIC students. Grad or UG w/ MUSIC 213 Undergraduate students must either completed MUSIC 213 (Theory IV). Graduate students have no prerequisite.