Introduction provided after the seminar by Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador, Executive, Confédération internationale des Accordéonistes:

As AI becomes a household word in our daily lives, it is interesting to see how it is already being embraced in the music world. In China, degree programs are already available through academic institutions in Beijing and Shanghai such as with China’s Central Conservatory of Music’s Department of Music Artificial Intelligence.

Recently, the 7^th Annual China Now Music Festival entitled “Composing The Future” featured concerts from October 12–19, 2024 in Carnegie Hall. In keeping with the future-focused theme China Now asked China’s Central Conservatory of Music’s Department of Music Artificial Intelligence to contribute an ‘AI Suite’ to the concert program, composed completely by AI, to open an innovative dialogue between the composer, the orchestra, the human and the machine. Additionally, China Now asked for works that experimentally incorporate AI technology in live performances.

Audiences were introduced to the Artificial Intelligence Composition System, through the Central Conservatory of Music’s piece AI Suite, which used a “Cloud Chorus” of 1,000 voices gathered from around the world, and a piece by Sun Yuming, where a traditional guzheng zither was played on stage without the performer touching the instrument.

Presenters described the process of AI composition. “Three key elements are essential in AI composition: data, algorithms, and computing power. Let’s start with data. Imagine we have a large warehouse filled with various types of music—classical, pop, rock, and many different styles. This “warehouse” is essentially the “big data” we use to train AI. The AI first listens to this music, learning its melodies, rhythms, and styles.

Next, the AI translates this music into a special language we call “symbolic language.” Through this process, the vast amount of audio data in our warehouse turns into a “symbolic database” specifically designed for AI models to learn from. By learning from this large symbolic database, AI can understand the internal logic and structure of music.

As for algorithms, our AI uses a complex music model. The model’s learning process involves predicting what the next “symbol” will be. It’s similar to how, when writing an article, we predict what the next word might be based on the previous content. In the case of music AI, it’s predicting the next note or melody.

In essence, the automatic composition model allows the machine to learn and create music similarly to humans. Although the process sounds complex, its core is about learning and predicting. AI can efficiently discover deep patterns in notes, melodies, and harmonies through self-supervised learning and can even create entirely new artistic works, akin to human creativity. So, AI composition is essentially a process of learning from data and generating new music.“

For Starry Night, a composition by Sun Yuming, six members of the audience were invited to join the concert by wearing brainwave-reading headsets. The headsets detect signals from the brains of the performer and composer, transforming them into music to allow real-time improvisation. “AI is everywhere and is radically changing our daily lives. In music, AI is fundamentally changing not just how we listen to it, but how music is created and even how the music industry operates,” said Li Xiaobing, executive director of the concert and head of the music AI and information technology department at the music school.

The music AI and information technology department was founded at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing in 2019. The department comprises an AI music center, an electronic music composition center and music therapy center.

The following paper was presented in Shanghai by Harley Jones as part of the 7^th International Culture and Arts Week and Shanghai Spring Accordion Festival from 1-7 April, 2025.

Future Possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Accordion

When people hear about Artificial Intelligence (AI) – powered teaching, many may react with skepticism – even alarm. Could artificial intelligence actually have a positive role in accordion education?

As musicians, we often celebrate the rich history of our instrument, but we must also embrace the future, where technology offers incredible opportunities for education, composition, performance, and preservation.

AI is already deeply integrated into daily life across various fields. Smart assistants help with tasks, AI-powered writing tools refine communication, streaming platforms use AI, smart home devices automate lighting, security, and climate control.

In healthcare, AI aids in diagnostics, wearable fitness trackers monitor health, and chatbots offer mental health support. Transportation benefits from AI-driven navigation, self-driving technology, and optimized ride-sharing services. AI enhances shopping through personalized recommendations, chatbots, and automated checkouts. In finance, AI detects fraud, assists in stock trading, and manages personal budgets. Education platforms use AI for adaptive learning, businesses rely on AI chatbots while agriculture benefits from AI-driven crop monitoring and automated farming equipment.

While AI integration in music education and specific instruments is still evolving, it is already composing music and being used in university music programs. Instead of resisting these advancements, it’s time for today’s accordion leaders to explore how AI technology could contribute to the growth and development of our instrument and enhance student learning.

I believe that best results will be Teacher and AI working together with AI being an enhancement, not a teacher replacement. Note however, that people generally dislike answerphone systems and online help bots and in frustration, want to talk with “a real person”.

Already, with the rise of online learning platforms, video tutorials, and virtual masterclasses, students from all corners of the globe now have access to high-quality instruction. No longer are we limited by geography; an aspiring accordionist in a remote town can study with a world-class teacher via video conferencing.

Here are some possibilities to consider:
AI-Powered Music Assistance
An AI-driven teaching platform could be an excellent resource for music enthusiasts, particularly older players looking to restart their accordion journey. It could provide personalized guidance (directed by a teacher), helping them gain confidence to join an ensemble and enjoy the musical and social benefits of group playing.

Free Beginner Lessons
AI has a longer term potential to teach learners, particularly in areas where qualified teachers are scarce. Video tuition has already enjoyed some success. Interactive, AI-driven lessons could be a powerful tool to promote the instrument and spark interest among new generations.

Performance & Interpretation
Technology is also transforming how we perform and interpret music. Video and internet is already an important tool. AI-driven accompaniment software can allow soloists to rehearse with a virtual ensemble that adapts in real-time to their playing. This can be a game-changer for practice sessions and even live performances, particularly where finding live collaborators is challenging.

Additionally, AI can assist in analyzing historical recordings, identifying nuances in legendary performances, and helping musicians refine their interpretations. Imagine having an AI system that studies the phrasing of Piazzolla’s bandoneón performances and offers insights into how to bring more authenticity into a tango performance.

Supervised Practice
An AI teacher could monitor students’ practice, providing feedback on notes, fingering, timing, rhythm, and bellows technique. AI’s ability to offer structured guidance and reinforce good practice habits – without ever losing patience -could significantly accelerate student progress between lessons with their teacher.

Play-Along Tracks
AI-generated backing tracks could help beginners develop rhythm and timing, making simple melodies sound richer and more engaging.

Music Theory and Ear Training
AI-powered tools and apps could enhance musicianship skills by teaching music theory, interval recognition, and ear training through interactive exercises – allowing teachers to focus more on hands-on accordion instruction.

Composition, Improvisation, Creativity
AI could assist students in composing their own music by suggesting chord progressions, generating melodies, or arranging harmonies – helping both students and teachers who may not have a strong background in composition. This could be especially valuable for young musicians seeking fresh material, or even professional performers looking for innovative compositions or improvisation. Moreover, AI-assisted orchestration can help composers experiment with different textures and styles, enabling them to create new works that push the boundaries of the instrument. This fusion of human creativity and artificial intelligence could lead to a new golden age of accordion music.

Collaborative Learning: AI-driven platforms could connect accordionists worldwide for virtual jam sessions, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

Final Thoughts: The Balance of Tradition and Technology
While AI and internet technology present tremendous opportunities, it is crucial that we use them as tools to enhance, rather than replace, the human artistry that makes music so powerful. The accordion, with its expressive capabilities and rich history, must continue to be played, studied, and cherished by real musicians.

Poster right: The Breezing Terrace of the Columbia Circle, a multifunctional complex with offices, stores, a bookshop, restaurants and cafes, will serve as a venue for activities for the festival. The new complex was full of people and had a very nice outdoor concert venue with good sound and lighting for the audience.

By harnessing AI technology, we can make accordion education more accessible, affordable, and engaging – breaking down barriers related to cost and location. Instead of fearing the rise of AI in music education, let’s explore how it can be a valuable tool for the future of the accordion using these technologies to supplement and enhance traditional teaching methods and make learning more engaging and effective.

By embracing the potentials, we can ensure that the accordion remains relevant in the digital AI age, reaching new audiences, inspiring new compositions or improvisation, preserving the unique legacy of the accordion for generations to come.

Thank you.
Harley Jones ATDNZ, LTCL, FIRMT