Allegro

A FEW WAYS A.I. COULD BENEFIT MUSICIANS

Volume 125, No. 2February, 2025

William Meade

This month’s submission for Local 802’s A.I. series is by William Meade, the chair of Local 802’s A.I. Committee.

As we all know by now, A.I. is both a challenge and an opportunity. In this column, I want to share a few ways A.I. can actually help musicians without exploiting themselves or others. Even though some of the tools below may seem to create the possibility of replacing live music teachers, accompanists, coaches or business managers, I see the tools as “helpers,” not as replacement of live talent. I firmly believe in the regulation of A.I. to prevent exploitation of musicians and other creative workers.

Personalized Practice and Skill Development

A.I.-driven tools are revolutionizing how musicians practice and hone their skills. Platforms like Yousician and ToneGym use A.I. to provide real-time feedback, track progress, and tailor practice routines. These tools offer several benefits:

Immediate Feedback:

Yousician: This platform listens to a musician’s performance and provides instant feedback on timing, pitch, and accuracy. It covers a range of instruments, including guitar, piano, and vocals.
SmartMusic: A tool widely used in educational settings, SmartMusic assesses performances and suggests improvements, making it ideal for students and professionals alike.

Customized Learning Paths:

ToneGym: Designed for ear training and music theory, ToneGym personalizes exercises based on the user’s skill level, helping musicians improve their aural skills.
Melodics: Aimed at drummers, keyboard players, and pad controllers, Melodics offers lessons tailored to individual progress, focusing on rhythm and finger dexterity.

Virtual Coaching:

PlayScore 2: This app can scan sheet music and play it back, acting as a virtual accompanist. It helps musicians understand complex compositions and refine their performance.
Cadenza Live: An A.I.-driven tool that listens to musicians during practice and provides coaching tips, simulating the experience of having a personal instructor.

Streamlining Logistics and Promotion

Beyond creativity and performance, A.I. is revolutionizing the business side of music. For professional musicians, managing logistics and promotion can be as demanding as perfecting their craft. A.I. tools simplify these aspects, allowing musicians to focus more on their art.

Tour Planning:

Bandsintown Manager: This app uses A.I. to recommend tour stops based on fan locations and venue data, helping musicians optimize their schedules.
Songkick’s A.I. Integration: Songkick leverages A.I. to analyze ticket sales and audience demographics, ensuring efficient tour planning.

Audience Engagement:

HubSpot for Musicians: HubSpot’s A.I.-powered marketing tools help musicians craft personalized email campaigns and manage social media promotions effectively.
FanA.I.: This platform provides insights into fan behavior, enabling musicians to create targeted marketing strategies.

Data-Driven Insights:

Spotify for Artists: Using A.I. analytics, Spotify offers data on listener demographics, song popularity, and playlist placements, helping musicians strategize their releases and promotions.
Next Big Sound: This tool combines A.I. and analytics to predict trends and identify growth opportunities for artists.

Automated Content Creation:

Rotor Videos: Rotor uses A.I. to create promotional music videos by syncing visuals to audio, allowing musicians to generate high-quality content quickly.
Canva’s A.I. Features: Canva helps musicians design posters, album covers, and social media graphics with minimal effort.

The Future of A.I. and Performing Musicians

As A.I. technology continues to evolve, its role in the lives of professional musicians will expand. The future may bring innovations such as:

Hyper-Personalized Experiences:

A.I. could enable musicians to create personalized music for individual fans, tailoring performances or compositions to their preferences.

Immersive Virtual Performances:

With advancements in virtual reality and A.I., musicians could perform in fully immersive virtual environments, reaching global audiences from anywhere.

Collaborations Across Disciplines:

A.I.’s ability to integrate various art forms could lead to collaborations between musicians, visual artists, dancers, and other creatives, resulting in multidimensional performances.

Sustainability Initiatives:

A.I. could help musicians adopt eco-friendly practices, such as optimizing energy use during tours and reducing carbon footprints.

Conclusion

A.I. is undeniably changing the professional lives of performing musicians, offering tools to enhance creativity, streamline logistics, and revolutionize live performances. While challenges and ethical considerations exist, the potential benefits are immense. By embracing A.I. as a collaborator and leveraging its capabilities responsibly, musicians can unlock new opportunities, expand their artistic horizons, and redefine the boundaries of their craft. As this technology continues to develop, it will be up to musicians, industry leaders, and audiences alike to shape a future where A.I. and human artistry coexist harmoniously.

Multi-instrumentalist William Meade, a member of Local 802 since 1979, is the chair of Local 802’s A.I. Committee. William is a seasoned performer and producer with over three decades of experience in television, Broadway, concerts and global events. During the last 12 months, he has spent considerable time and effort on understanding the accelerating impact AI is having across all professions, including that of musician’s. His knowledge of AI encompasses practical, academic and regulatory aspects, all of which continue to evolve at a rapid pace. E-mail William Meade at: wmeade@stellationentertainment.com. Send feedback on Local 802’s A.I. series to Allegro@Local802afm.org.

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