What My Musical Instruments Have Taught Me

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/what-my-musical-instruments-have-taught-me

by fortran77 • 3 years ago

2 1 3 years ago

kawera• 3 years ago

"Today, tech companies promise to create algorithms that can analyze old music to create new music. But music is ambiguous: is it mostly a product to be produced and enjoyed, or is the creation of it the most important thing? If it’s the former, then being able to automate the production of music is at least a coherent idea, whether or not it is a good one. But, if it’s the latter, then pulling music creation away from people undermines the whole point. I often work with students who want to build algorithms that make music. I ask them, Do you mean you want to design algorithms that are like instruments, and which people can use to make new music, or do you just want an A.I. to make music for you? For those students who want to have optimal music made for them, I have to ask, Would you want robots to have sex for you so you don’t have to? I mean, what is life for?"

What My Musical Instruments Have Taught Me

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