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Jordan Rudess Discusses AI in Music Creation: Opportunities and Challenges

Jordan Rudess, the acclaimed keyboardist of Dream Theater, recently shared his thoughts on the rising use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in music creation during an appearance on the podcast #UpgradeMe With Dana Leong. Rudess, who has been at the forefront of integrating technology into his musical career, expressed both excitement and concern about the implications of A.I. in the music industry.

Commenting on the mixed perceptions surrounding A.I., he stated: ‘There’s a lot of confusion, there’s a lot of fear about A.I., there’s a lot of excitement about it.’ He noted the prevalent fear in society, saying that some people would go as far as to ban musicians involved with A.I. from their lives. Rudess emphasized that while A.I. could enhance musical creativity, it also comes with its challenges and ethical considerations.

Rudess has been collaborating with the MIT Media Lab, where he aims to use A.I. for educational purposes, specifically in improving ear training for musicians. He explained: ‘I wanna use A.I. and figure out how can I help somebody with the next level of ear training.’ According to Rudess, A.I. could serve as both a collaborator and a predictive partner in music creation, leading to innovative musical experiences.

Despite the positive aspects of A.I., Rudess acknowledged the concerns of composers regarding rights and the potential misuse of technology. ‘I am not saying any of this with a blindness to composers’ rights,’ he remarked, emphasizing the importance of navigating the ethical landscape surrounding A.I.

Additionally, Rudess shared an amusing anecdote about a performance in Mexico City where a malfunction left him playing with his keyboard tilted for the entire show. He laughed while recalling the experience, stating, ‘It was definitely one of the stranger shows.’

As A.I. continues to evolve, Rudess remains committed to experimenting with its applications in music, focusing on creating tools that can enhance musical expression and inspire others. He concluded, ‘I think everybody has to decide where they are with technology… It’s a choice.’

Jordan Rudess, known for his Expertise in blending classical training with progressive metal, is also set to embark on a 40th-anniversary tour with Dream Theater this fall. His latest album, “Permission To Fly”, was released on September 6, and he provides educational resources through detailed online tutorials and his company, Wizdom Music.