Music in the Age of AI

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our understanding of music and human creativity. This seminar explores this dynamic intersection through critical analysis, practical engagement, and theoretical inquiry. Students will immerse themselves in AI's influence on music creation and its broader implications on the concept of artistry. Students will explore how AI-generated music impacts industry standards, challenges existing regulations, and influences cultural perceptions of what is considered “authentic" music. By engaging with AI as both a tool and a collaborator, students will investigate how AI challenges traditional notions of musical creativity and human agency. Additionally, we will explore how music—both created by and about AI—serves as a tool for understanding and experiencing our evolving relationship with technology. We will explore the aesthetics of AI-generated music, examining how it provides new emotional insights and redefines our interaction with technology. Through analyzing contemporary art and popular music using advanced tools, students will gain a nuanced perspective on AI’s role in shaping music, its impact on intellectual property, and its broader effects on the music industry and cultural values.