We are constantly coming across articles in our sector news that highlight the incredible impact of AI adoption on charities, with research showing that those who embrace AI are more likely to experience a significant boost in income, or that only 3% of charity trustees admit to using AI in their operations? Actually, it's not such a far fetched outcome.
Perhaps it's time to step up our own game and get creative with AI! We may not be fully utilising AI's potential yet, but hey, we're not far behind - just like 50% of the country (wild guess)! Whether it's using Gemini or ChatGPT to polish up a sentence or to help us articulate our thoughts better, we're all in for the AI revolution! It's inevitable.
There is however, an undeniable and universally emerging truth, that generative AI is rapidly transforming the creative industries. UK Music's AI: The Music Industry's Message To Government About Artificial Intelligence (June 2023) asserts that the UK music industry is cautiously optimistic about AI. Organisations like UK Music highlight the potential benefits but emphasise the importance of human creativity remaining at the core.
As we contemplate the consequences of either allowing AI to pass us by or fully embracing this emerging frontier with its myriad efficiencies (and opportunities), the widespread integration of AI in music composition raises apprehensions regarding the future of music education in the United Kingdom.
Positive Implications - and some of these might make you groan!
Enhanced Learning: AI tutors (come on, really?) can offer personalised feedback and cater to individual learning styles, potentially making music education more accessible and engaging - CHEAD Centre for Higher Education and Development. Generative AI and its impact on Creative Education: Thought Piece March 2024
Democratisation of Music Creation: AI tools can make music creation more accessible to those without traditional musical training, fostering a wider pool of creators (same article above).
Exploration and Experimentation: AI can generate unexpected sounds and styles, pushing creative boundaries and sparking new musical ideas for students. Developments and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Music Education. MDPI discusses that AI can offer personalised feedback, adaptive learning paths, and tailored exercises, enhancing student engagement and motivation.
Challenges to Consider according to UK Music
Devaluing Musicianship: Over-reliance on AI for composition could diminish the importance of learning instruments and music theory.
Ownership and Authenticity: Copyright issues surrounding AI-generated music need to be addressed to ensure fair treatment of human creators.
The Human Touch: While AI excels at technical aspects, it may struggle to capture the emotional depth and personal expression that define human-made music
AI in Music Education: A Double-Edged Sword" by a consortium of music education experts (2023) considered an over-reliance on AI could lead to a decline in traditional musical skills, such as playing instruments and reading sheet music. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for AI to stifle creativity and originality which is in stark contrast to the study above on Developments and Applications of AI in Music Education.
What about music tech and apps that enable and level playing field? Have we not already gone down the path of exploration as early adopters with GarageBand, Logic, Ableton, and all the other applications that have been loaded on to our laptops and tablets that make it easier and simpler for non-musicians to create original music with presets and patterns.
The impact of AI on music education in the UK is an evolving story. It's crucial to develop a balanced approach, leveraging AI's strengths while ensuring it complements, not replaces, traditional musical training. AI's impact on charities is in our eyes no different to the emerging role that AI plays across eCommerce and the routinely triggered marketing automations that we all receive. Every interaction we have with an online store, or an eShot selling us the very latest offers for FMCG, clothing, holidays is powered by 'data insights' gleaned from our multifaceted and multilayered journeys across the web. All that data being aggregated, syphoned off into another set of eCommerce tools designed to extract as much buying potential as possible from us prospects.....
The future of music is unfolding before us, whether we're ready or not. AI is poised to revolutionise how we create, consume, and learn music. How will this transformation impact both the industry and our personal experiences with music? How will it impact on our children's music education and that of their children?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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