Is using AI to write music cheating?

By Bee Adamic

We all know that the way we write music is definitely changing, is it good, or is it bad. You decide. But I've decided to look at ways it can help you. Is it cheating, who knows but it will be a part of our future and we needtoembraceitright?

So many tools already exist with music writing and AI, including Soundraw, Soundful, Aiva, Jukebox and Google's open source Magenta. Also not to forget Google's recent MusicLM - which claims to write an entire song from a text prompt. Having tested many of them already I think artists and musicians still have greatpurposeandarenotreplacedquiteyet…

Melody and chord generation:

AI algorithms can generate melodies and chord progressions based on existing musical data. Musicians can use these generated ideas as a starting point and then modify and develop them further according to theirartisticvision.

Apparentlylastyearalmost1in5hitshadsamplebased featureswithinthem.SoIwouldimagineasweendthis year,thefiguresbeingevenhigherifweincludeifithad somekindofAIinvolvedinthemusicmaking.

AI algorithms can analyse and learn from a particular style or genre of music and generate compositions that emulate that style. This can be helpful for musicians who want to experiment with different genres or incorporate specific stylistic elements into their own compositions.

Music theory assistance:

AI can provide real-time assistance with music theory concepts. For example, it can help musicians identify scales, chords, and their relationships, making it easier to explore harmonic possibilities and experiment with differentmusicalideas.

Creative inspiration:

AI algorithms can generate random musical ideas or explore unorthodox combinations of musical elements. This can spark new creative directions and inspire musicianstothinkoutsidetheboxwhenwritingmusic.

Music production assistance:

AI-powered plugins and software can assist musicians with music production tasks such as audio mixing, mastering,andsounddesign.Thesetoolscanautomate certain processes, optimize audio quality, and help musiciansachievetheirdesiredsoniccharacteristics.

Music recommendation:

AI-based recommendation systems can analyze a musician'sexistingcompositionsormusicalpreferences and suggest similar artists, genres, or songs. This can help musicians discover new music and broaden their influences.

Personalised composition assistance:

AIalgorithmscanadapttoamusician'spreferencesand style over time. By learning from a musician's compositions and musical choices, AI can provide personalizedsuggestionsandideasthatalignwiththeir artisticvision.

Performance optimisation:

AI can analyse live performances and provide feedback on areas such as timing, dynamics, and phrasing. This can help musicians refine their playing and enhance theirliveperformances.

@bee_adamic

“Music education and learning: AI-powered platforms and applications can provide interactive music lessons, tutorials, and practice tools. These tools can assist musicians in learning new techniques, improving their skills, and expanding their musical knowledge.

Overall however it's important to note that while AI can provide valuable support, it should be used as a tool to enhance the creative process rather than replace it. Musicians should always maintain their artistic vision and personal touch when utilizing AI in their music writing process.”