Utilizing Computational Music Analysis and AI For
Utilizing Computational Music Analysis and AI For
ISSN: 0253-7214
Volume 44 Issue S-6 Year 2023 Page 1377:1390
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Received: 06 June 2023 This research paper investigates the transformative potential of computational
Revised: 05 Sept 2023 music analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing the field of music
Accepted: 04 Dec 2023 composition. Specifically, it explores the synergistic roles of pre-analysis and
post-analysis techniques in leveraging AI-driven tools to enhance the creative
process and quality of musical compositions. The study encompasses a
historical overview of music composition, the evolution of computational music
analysis, and contemporary AI applications. It delves into pre-analysis,
focusing on its role in informing composition, and post-analysis, which
evaluates and augments compositions. The paper underscores the significance
of these technologies in fostering creativity while addressing challenges and
ethical considerations. Through case studies, evaluations, and discussions, this
research offers insights into the profound impact of computational music
analysis and AI on music composition, paving the way for innovative and
inclusive musical expressions.
Keywords: Computational Music Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Music
Composition, Pre-Analysis, Post-Analysis, Music Technology, AI-Driven
Composition, Musical Creativity, Music Generation, Music Evaluation,
CC License Creative Augmentation, Ethical Considerations, Music Innovation, Music
CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 Education, Music Industry
1. Introduction
Background and Context
Music, a universal language, has evolved significantly over millennia, reflecting human emotions,
cultural practices, and historical events. While the art of music composition can be traced back to the
earliest civilizations, modern technological advancements have introduced new dimensions to the field.
Brief Overview of Music Composition and its Evolution:
Music composition is the art of arranging sounds in a structured manner, often with a temporal aspect
in mind. This creative endeavor, as old as human civilization itself, reflects our emotions, cultures, and
shared experiences. Over the centuries, music composition has undergone numerous transformations,
each phase influencing and often reshaping the ones that follow.
• Ancient Music (Pre-500 AD): The earliest compositions were likely simple melodic lines without
harmonization, rooted in oral traditions. Instruments like the lyre, harp, and primitive flutes were
popular. These melodies, often tied to religious or cultural rituals, were passed down through
generations.
• Medieval Era (500-1400 AD): The Gregorian chants, named after Pope Gregory I, dominated the
early Medieval era, offering plainchant with a single melodic line. As the era progressed, we saw
the birth of polyphony, where multiple independent melodies played simultaneously. This added
depth and complexity to compositions.
• Renaissance (1400-1600 AD): This period marked a clear shift towards harmony and the use of
thirds and sixths. Compositions became more expressive and secular music grew in prominence.
Printing technology allowed for the wider dissemination of music.
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• Baroque Era (1600-1750 AD): The Baroque period introduced many musical forms that would
dominate Western music for centuries, such as the opera, concerto, and sonata. Composers like Bach,
Handel, and Vivaldi explored intricate structures, leading to richly textured, multi-layered
compositions.
• Classical Era (1750-1820 AD): Marked by clarity, order, and balance in compositions, this era
witnessed the masterpieces of Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn. The symphony and sonata became
predominant forms, and the orchestra as we know it began to take shape.
• Romantic Era (1820-1910 AD): Emotion became the driving force behind compositions during this
period. Composers like Chopin, Liszt, and Wagner expanded the tonal system's boundaries and often
employed chromaticism. The lengths of compositions grew, and symphonies often took on
programmatic themes.
• 20th & 21st Centuries: The 20th century witnessed an explosion of musical styles and techniques,
from the atonal music of Schoenberg to the minimalism of Steve Reich. The rise of technology,
especially electronic synthesizers, in the latter half of the century reshaped the soundscape. Today,
in the 21st century, technology has integrated even further into music composition. Digital audio
workstations (DAWs) and AI-driven tools allow composers to experiment in ways previously
unimaginable. From generating harmonies based on vast databases of existing music to predicting
the next note in a melody using neural networks, the boundaries of what's musically conceivable
continue to expand.
Introduction to Computational Music Analysis and AI:
Computational Music Analysis:
Computational music analysis emerged as a convergence between computer science and music theory.
It represents the application of algorithms and computational models to decode, understand, and
generate music.
• Features Extraction: One of the primary steps in computational music analysis involves extracting
features from a piece of music. This can range from identifying basic elements such as pitch, tempo,
and rhythm to more complex attributes like timbral texture and harmonic structures.
• Pattern Recognition: Through algorithmic processes, repetitive and unique patterns within
compositions can be detected. This not only aids in understanding a piece's structure but can also
provide insights into a composer's style or a genre's characteristics.
• Music Representation: Various digital representations of music, such as MIDI (Musical Instrument
Digital Interface) or symbolic notation, are utilized in computational analysis. These representations
allow for the efficient processing, storage, and manipulation of musical information.
Artificial Intelligence in Music:
With the advent and advancement of AI, the capabilities of computational music analysis have been
augmented significantly.
• Machine Learning in Music: Machine learning, a subset of AI, uses statistical techniques to enable
machines to improve tasks through experience. In music, this translates to algorithms that can "learn"
from vast datasets of musical compositions. For instance, recurrent neural networks (RNNs) might
be trained on classical compositions to generate new, original pieces reminiscent of the classics.
• Generative Models: These models, like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), can create new
musical pieces by being trained on existing datasets. They learn the inherent structures and patterns
and can produce novel compositions that adhere to the learned styles.
• Music Recommendation: AI-driven music recommendation systems, like those in Spotify or
YouTube, analyze listener preferences and suggest songs based on patterns detected in user listening
habits.
• Music Transformation and Augmentation: AI tools can transform existing pieces, modifying
attributes like tempo, pitch, or even style. This allows for creative reinterpretations and adaptations,
such as converting a classic rock song into a symphonic piece or vice-versa.
• Comparative Analysis: The research aims to contrast traditional composition techniques with those
augmented by computational and AI-driven processes. By doing so, it will underscore the
efficiencies and enhancements that modern technology brings to the composition landscape.
• Functional Study of AI in Composition: Going beyond a theoretical examination, this research
seeks to understand the functional role of AI in the composition process. This involves dissecting
how AI algorithms interpret, predict, and generate musical content.
• Impact Assessment: Another key goal is to evaluate the overall impact of computational music
analysis and AI on the broader world of music composition. This includes considerations of quality,
innovation, and accessibility.
The Scope of the Study:
Pre-Compositional Analysis:
• Foundational Setting: The study will explore how computational analysis sets the foundational tone
for a composition. This includes determining key signatures, rhythmic structures, and potential motifs
or themes based on data-driven insights.
• Influence of Diverse Datasets: With access to diverse musical datasets, the research will discuss how
pre-analysis can provide composers with unique inputs, drawing from global music traditions or
varying historical periods.
• Role of Predictive Algorithms: An in-depth look into how AI algorithms, trained on vast musical
datasets, can predict potential progressions or structures, aiding composers in the early stages of
creation.
Post-Compositional Analysis:
• Refinement Through Analysis: The research will delve into how post-analysis can help pinpoint
areas of improvement in a composition, offering suggestions for refinement or modification.
• Evaluation Metrics: With computational tools, the study will explore objective evaluation metrics
that can assess the quality, originality, or adherence to specific styles or genres.
• Transformational Capabilities: An exciting area of focus will be how AI can transform a finished
piece, either by stylistic adaptations, modulation to different keys, or rhythmic alterations.
• Exclusions: It's essential to define boundaries. While the research centers on computational
analysis and AI's role in composition, it will not delve deep into the technical architecture of AI
models or provide a coding guide for algorithmic composition. The focus remains on application,
impact, and transformative potential.
Significance of the Study
The realm of music composition has always evolved, continually absorbing influences from technology,
cultural shifts, and new schools of thought. However, the advent of computational music analysis and
AI promises a change like never before. The significance of this research lies in several facets:
• Redefining Traditional Boundaries: One of the most fundamental shifts brought about by
computational music analysis and AI is the redefinition of traditional compositional boundaries.
Where once composers might have been restricted by their own cognitive limitations or by
established norms, AI opens doors to explore uncharted territories, allowing for the creation of novel
musical languages and expressions.
• Democratization of Music Composition: AI-driven tools have the potential to make composition
accessible to a broader audience. Those who might not have formal training but possess a passion
for music can now explore their creative instincts, thanks to user-friendly software that uses AI to
assist in the compositional process.
• Enhanced Creativity through Data: By analyzing vast datasets of music, AI can expose composers
to global influences, diverse styles, and unique structures, effectively broadening their musical
vocabulary. This can lead to compositions that are richer and more varied.
• Optimized Composition Processes: The time-intensive nature of manual composition can
sometimes be a deterrent. AI can expedite some processes like motif development, harmonic
progression suggestions, or rhythmic pattern generation. This not only speeds up composition but
also provides composers with a multitude of options to choose from.
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• Refinement and Evaluation: Post-composition, the power of computational analysis shines in
refining pieces. Detailed analyses can provide objective feedback, something challenging in a
domain as subjective as music. This can help composers improve and hone their craft systematically.
• Future of Collaborative Compositions: AI's role need not be limited to a tool; it can be a
collaborator. As AI models grow more sophisticated, we could see a future where human-AI
collaborative compositions become commonplace, blending the best of human creativity with AI's
vast computational capabilities.
• Ethical and Philosophical Implications: This research is significant because it touches upon not
just the practical but also the philosophical. As AI starts playing a more central role in creation, it
brings forth questions about originality, copyright, and the very essence of creativity. Addressing
these concerns is crucial as we navigate this new era of music composition.
Structure of the Paper
This paper is structured into seven sections, starting with an introduction, followed by a detailed
literature review, exploration of pre- and post-analysis, the synergy between these two processes,
evaluation metrics, and concluding with future prospects and challenges in the field.
2. Literature Review
Historical Context of Music Composition:
Music composition, a timeless form of human expression, has evolved through different eras, absorbing
influences from various cultures and technologies. Historically, each period is characterized by distinct
styles, forms, and techniques, often influenced by societal changes and technological innovations.
Ancient and Medieval Periods:
• Ancient Greece: Music was integral to Greek education, arts, and entertainment. The "Pythagorean
tuning", derived from Pythagoras' mathematical ratios, laid the groundwork for Western musical
scales (West, M.L. "Ancient Greek Music." Oxford University Press, 1994).
• Medieval Era: Gregorian Chant, monophonic and unaccompanied, was prominent during this
period. Notation systems were also formalized, providing a foundation for written music (Hoppin,
Richard H. Medieval Music. Norton & Company, 1978).
Renaissance and Baroque:
• Renaissance: This era saw the rise of polyphony, where multiple independent melodies played
simultaneously. Composers like Josquin des Prez championed this style (Atlas, Allan W.
Renaissance Music: Music in Western Europe, 1400–1600. Norton & Company, 1998).
• Baroque: Recognized for its expressive style and intricate forms. Composers like Johann
Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel epitomized the Baroque era's rich textures (Palisca,
Claude V. Baroque Music. Prentice Hall, 1991).
Classical and Romantic Periods:
• Classical: This era is characterized by clarity, order, and balance. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and
Ludwig van Beethoven transitioned from the Classical to the Romantic periods, crafting
symphonies, operas, and chamber music pieces that are revered today (Rosen, Charles. The
Classical Style. Norton & Company, 1997).
• Romantic: Intense emotion and individualism were hallmarks of this period. Composers,
including Johannes Brahms and Frédéric Chopin, emphasized expressive themes and rich
orchestrations (Plantinga, Leon. Romantic Music. Norton & Company, 1984).
20th Century to Present:
• Advances in technology during the 20th century, such as the phonograph and radio, revolutionized
music distribution. Genres like jazz, rock, and electronic music emerged, each with its unique
composition techniques. Minimalism, spectral music, and post-modernism were some avant-garde
styles explored by composers (Morgan, Robert P. Twentieth-Century Music: A History of Musical
Style in Modern Europe and America. Norton & Company, 1991).
Traditional Music Composition Techniques and Challenges:
Traditional Techniques:
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1. Counterpoint: This is a technique where two or more musical lines are set against one another
harmoniously. Originating in the Medieval period, it reached its pinnacle during the Renaissance
and Baroque periods. Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum remains a seminal text on counterpoint (Fux,
Johann Joseph. Gradus ad Parnassum. 1725).
2. Harmony: Harmony, especially as conceived in the tonal system from the Baroque to the Romantic
period, is about the progression of chords. Tonal harmony revolves around the "home" key or tonic
and its resolution (Rameau, Jean-Philippe. Treatise on Harmony. 1722).
3. Form: Composers often use structures like sonata-allegro, binary, ternary, and rondo to shape larger
musical pieces. This provides a framework that offers predictability and coherence to compositions
(Caplin, William E. Classical Form: A Theory of Formal Functions for the Instrumental Music of
Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Oxford University Press, 1998).
Challenges in Traditional Music Composition:
1. Limitations of the Human Ear: Composers traditionally relied on their intuition and ear training.
While this often led to brilliant compositions, it also meant that nuances or complexities outside of
their immediate auditory perception could be missed.
2. Lack of Analytical Tools: Before technological advancements, composers didn't have tools to
analyze the spectral content of sound or visualize musical patterns, which might have influenced
their compositional choices.
3. Time-Consuming Manual Notation: Writing music manually, especially for large ensembles, is
time-intensive and prone to errors. Mistakes might only become apparent during rehearsals or
performances.
4. Cultural and Societal Constraints: Composers often had to work within the boundaries of societal
expectations or religious norms, which might stifle creativity or experimentation (Cook, Nicholas.
Music, Imagination, and Culture. Clarendon Press, 1992).
Computational Music Analysis Techniques:
Overview of Pre-Analysis:
Pre-analysis in the context of computational music analysis refers to the techniques used before or
during the music composition process to understand and extract key features or characteristics of a
given piece or dataset of music.
• Feature Extraction: One of the most vital steps in pre-analysis is the extraction of features from
audio or symbolic music data. These features could be rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic patterns,
spectral content, or even timbral characteristics. Various algorithms and software tools are designed
to detect and catalog these features for further analysis (Tzanetakis, George, and Perry Cook. "Musical
genre classification of audio signals." IEEE Transactions on Speech and Audio Processing, 2002).
• Pattern Recognition: Recognizing patterns, such as recurring melodic motifs or harmonic
progressions, is a powerful tool. This can be done using machine learning models or more
deterministic algorithms, and it assists composers in understanding the structural components of a
piece (Conklin, Darrell, and Ian H. Witten. "Multiple viewpoint systems for music prediction." Journal
of New Music Research, 1995).
Overview of Post-Analysis:
Post-analysis pertains to techniques applied after the music composition is done, primarily for the
purpose of refinement, assessment, or further interpretation.
• Style Transfer and Modification: By analyzing the characteristics of different musical styles,
algorithms can modify a given piece to sound more in line with a target style, offering composers an
automated way of experimenting with different stylistic elements (Briot, Jean-Pierre, Gaëtan
Hadjeres, and François-David Pachet. "Deep learning techniques for music generation—a survey."
arXiv preprint arXiv:1709.01620, 2017).
• Evaluation of Compositions: Through computational post-analysis, one can evaluate how closely a
composition adheres to certain stylistic or structural guidelines. This could be especially beneficial in
educational settings or for composers aiming to emulate a specific style (Müller, Meinard, and
Sebastian Ewert. "Towards automated extraction of tempo parameters from expressive music
recordings." ISMIR, 2011).
Diving into the tonal center of a piece allows composers to pinpoint its key. Furthermore, by analyzing
the sequence of chords throughout a composition, they can glean insights into its harmonic progressions
and modulations. These insights are pivotal for shaping a piece's musical narrative.
Case Studies:
The Role of Pre-Analysis in Ravel's "Boléro":
In Ravel's iconic "Boléro," pre-analysis highlights the consistent rhythmic motif that underpins the
entire composition, while the orchestration and harmony undergo significant transformations. By
segmenting the piece based on instrumentation and harmonic changes, it becomes evident how Ravel
uses a simple Spanish dance rhythm to construct a vast, dynamic soundscape. Furthermore, a key
analysis showcases the piece's modulation and growth in intensity, culminating in a climactic finale.
Jazz Improvisations and the Importance of Pre-Analysis:
In the realm of jazz, improvisation stands as a testament to the musician's ability to spontaneously craft
melodies over varying chord progressions. By conducting a pre-analysis of John Coltrane's "Giant
Steps," it's observed that the saxophonist employs a series of complex, rapid chord changes.
Recognizing these changes and understanding the underlying harmonic structure becomes pivotal for
any musician attempting to improvise over the piece. Thus, pre-analysis aids in demystifying what
initially seems like an overwhelming chord progression, paving the way for informed improvisational
choices.
Advantages and Limitations of Pre-Analysis:
Advantages:
• Composers equipped with pre-analysis insights can make well-informed compositional decisions,
fostering cohesion in their work.
• The compositional process can be streamlined, circumventing potential challenges or structural
inconsistencies.
• Armed with pre-analysis knowledge, composers can push creative boundaries, experimenting with
modulations, variations, and developments.
Limitations:
• There's the danger of becoming too anchored to analytical data, which might hinder spontaneous
creativity.
• Over-relying on pre-analytical techniques might lead to a loss of the composer's unique voice in
their work.
• Some pre-analysis techniques have steep learning curves, demanding substantial effort and time to
master.
Post-Analysis in Music Composition
Unravelling Post-Analysis:
Post-analysis in music composition is the process of critically examining a composition after it has been
drafted or completed. Rather than serving as a prelude to the creation process, like pre-analysis, post-
analysis aids in refining, revising, and enhancing the existing musical material. It offers composers a
chance to step back, analyze their work, and make improvements or modifications based on their
findings.
Techniques and Tools for Post-Analysis:
Style Transfer and Modification:
Post-analysis can employ computational algorithms that facilitate style transfer, where elements from
one musical genre or style are infused into another. This fusion allows composers to experiment with
their pieces, producing a unique blend of musical idioms. AI-driven tools can suggest stylistic
modifications, pushing compositions into novel and innovative directions.
Evaluation of Compositions:
Evaluation tools, especially those aided by AI, can provide feedback on various aspects of a
composition, like its harmonic coherence, thematic development, and structural integrity. Such
composer might not immediately conceive. Moreover, the AI's role isn't just as a creator but also as a
facilitator, enabling composers to realize their visions with unprecedented precision and speed.
Significance of the study in the broader context of music and AI research
The synthesis of music and AI isn't merely a fleeting trend; it's an evolution in the artistic and
technological realms. This study underscores the significance of this confluence by highlighting both
its immediate impacts and potential long-term repercussions. In the grand tapestry of music history,
from Gregorian chants to electronic music, the integration of AI might be its most audacious chapter
yet. It's not just about creating new compositions, but it's about redefining the very boundaries of what
music can be. For the AI research community, this study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary
applications. It's a testament to AI's versatility, reaching beyond conventional sectors like finance or
healthcare, and making a mark in the realms of art and expression. The challenges and learnings from
music composition can enrich the AI domain, fostering advancements that cater to nuanced human
experiences.
Implications for the Field of Music Composition
How AI-driven techniques might reshape music creation in the future
The implications of integrating AI into music composition are profound and multifaceted. As AI
systems become more advanced, we can expect a seismic shift in how music is conceptualized, created,
and consumed. The vast analytical capabilities of AI, combined with its generative power, could lead
to a new era where compositions are more dynamic, personalized, and interactive.
• Personalized Compositions: In the future, AI might tailor compositions to individual listeners,
adapting in real-time based on emotional responses, environmental factors, or personal preferences.
Imagine a world where music evolves as per the listener's mood or the ambiance of their
surroundings, delivering a truly individualized auditory experience.
• Collaborative Creation: AI won't just be a tool; it will become a collaborative partner. Composers
might input their initial ideas into a system, and the AI could suggest alterations, provide variations,
or even introduce novel elements drawn from a global database of musical knowledge.
• Boundaryless Genres: With AI's capability to analyze and merge diverse genres, the future might
see a dissolution of strict musical categories. We could experience music that seamlessly blends
multiple genres, introducing us to auditory experiences we haven't even imagined.
Recommendations for music composers and educators
Embrace, Don't Resist: While there might be apprehensions about AI taking over the art of music
composition, it's crucial to see it as an ally rather than a replacement. Composers should be open to
leveraging AI's capabilities to enhance their creative processes.
• Continuous Learning: The technological landscape is rapidly evolving. To stay relevant,
composers and music educators need to familiarize themselves with the latest in AI-driven music
tools and techniques. Courses and workshops focused on AI in music can be instrumental.
• Ethical Considerations: As with any powerful tool, AI in music comes with ethical concerns,
especially around originality and copyright. Educators need to impart lessons not just on how to use
AI but also on navigating the ethical minefields associated with it.
• Incorporate AI in Curriculum: For educators, it's imperative to integrate AI-driven music modules
in the curriculum, preparing the next generation of composers for a world where man and machine
collaborate in harmony. Offering hands-on experience with AI tools can provide students with
valuable skills that are becoming increasingly relevant in the modern music industry.
• Preserve Human Touch: Lastly, while AI offers unparalleled advantages, it's essential to remember
the irreplaceable human touch in music. Composers should use AI as a means to enhance their
expressions, not overshadow them. The heart and soul of music lie in human experiences, emotions,
and stories, and that should always remain at the forefront, even in an AI-driven world.
Limitations of the Present Study
Recognizing the bounds of the current research:
• Scope of the Analysis: The current research primarily delves into the integration of AI in music
composition, specifically in the areas of pre- and post-analysis. While comprehensive in its
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music recordings." *ISMIR*. 2011.
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24. Yang, Li-Chia, et al. "MuseGAN: Multi-track Sequential Generative Adversarial Networks for Symbolic
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25. Hadjeres, Gaëtan, Jason Sakellariou, and François Pachet. "Style Imitation and Chord Invention in Polyphonic
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