How Computers Are Used in the Teaching of Music and Speculations about How Artificial Intelligence Could Be Applied to Radically Improve the Learning of Compositional Skills. CITE Report No. 6.

This paper forms part of a preliminary survey for work on the application of artificial intelligence theories and techniques to the learning of music composition skills. The paper deals with present day applications of computers to the teaching of music and speculations about how artificial intelligence might be used to foster music composition in the future. The field of music composition makes use of computer aided instruction in the areas of music theory, music history, and aural testing. Music Logo, the use of the programming language, Logo, to create music, is another application of computer technology to music. Computerized musical instruments allow students to compose and play music at their own level; to listen and adapt these compositions; and to analyze existing music for pitch, note intervals and values, and pattern recognition. Interactive videogames provide untrained students with opportunities to compose music and hear it immediately and to teach musical transformations through simple visual manipulation of music. In the future, artificial intelligence may make modest contributions to support the learning of music composition in the areas of intelligent tutors that focus on music theory, aural training, harmonization, and some highly formalized and artificial styles of composition. Intelligent tools in the form of editors, instruments, and analytical aids along with educational games also could help students learn about music composition. The document contains 16 figures. (DB)