Exploring AI in Music

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Key Information

Grade Level: 12th Grade
Subject: Music
Duration: 50 minutes
Standards Addressed:

• MU:Pr4.2.H.III (Evaluate and refine music using technology and digital tools.)
• MU:Cr2.1.H.III (Generate musical ideas and develop patterns through digital and AI technology.)
• MU:Re9.1.H.III (Evaluate music based on context, intent, and musical attributes.)

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand how AI tools can be used to create and enhance music.
2. Experiment with AI tools to create original pieces using prompt-based challenges.
3. Collaborate in small groups to create background music for visual prompts (images or videos).
4. Reflect on the role AI plays in creativity and discuss its implications in the music industry.

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Materials Needed

• Computers or laptops (1 per student group).
• Headphones (optional but recommended).
• AI music generation tools pre-set on devices: Suno, AIVA, Soundraw, SongR, Beatoven.
• Digital or printed visual prompts for activity (images/videos).
• PowerPoint for project instructions and visual aids.
• Student handouts (instructions).

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Lesson Overview

Introduction to AI and Music (10 minutes)

1. Engagement Activity - Listening Challenge:

   • Play 2 short clips of music (1 human-composed, 1 AI-generated). Suggested examples:
     • AI-generated: AIVA’s classical symphony or Amper Music-generated pop song.
     • Human-composed: Bach chorale or a snippet from a well-known human artist/songwriter.
   • Ask students: "Can you guess which is AI-generated and which is human-created? What stood out to you about the clip?"

2. Discuss the rapid advancements in AI tools with 1-2 data points:

   • "AI music can fool listeners 40% of the time."
   • "Programs like Sony’s Flow Machines and OpenAI’s MuseNet can generate full compositions in minutes."

3. Live Demo

   • Show how AI Duet allows users to play along with AI-generated music, layering creative harmonies.
   • Briefly introduce Bach Doodle and generate a random melody using AI.

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Group Activity Instructions

Part 1: Individual AI Music Experimentation (15 minutes)

1. Instructions for Students:

   • Open Google Classroom and access the document titled "AI Music Exploration Prompts."
   • Choose one of the following songs to create using any AI tools provided:
     • a. Boss Battle Music: Create an intense video game soundtrack for an epic boss showdown.
     • b. Soda Commercial Music: Design cheerful and upbeat background music that conveys excitement.
     • c. Mysterious Scene Music: Compose eerie, suspenseful background music for a mystery film.
     • d. Classical Symphony "Beethoven Style": Write a short symphonic movement inspired by Beethoven.
     • e. Pop Song in Celebrity Style: Create pop music channeling the style of your favorite singer.
     • f. R&B Track in Artist Style: Craft an R&B instrumental based on your favorite artist’s tone.
   • Save and export your final composition to your group’s shared folder for the second part of the activity.

2. Teacher Circulation:

   • Walk around the room to assist students in navigating the tools and troubleshooting.
   • Help students interpret the prompts and explore creative features like tempo adjustments, instrument selection, or mood settings in AI tools.

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Part 2: Collaborative Composition (15 minutes)

1. Instructions for Students:

   • Form groups of 3-5 students, depending on proximity.
   • Each group will be assigned either an image/photo (e.g., bustling city streets, tranquil forest, or abandoned warehouse) or a short silent video clip (without dialogue).
   • As a team, brainstorm what kind of emotions, tempo, and instruments would work best as a soundtrack for your visual prompt.
   • Use the AI music tools again to compose your track. One or two group members may navigate the AI, while others give creative input.

2. Visual Prompts Options to Assign Students:

   • Image Examples:
     • Sunset over a serene ocean.
     • Lightning storm in the mountains.
     • Futuristic cityscape glowing at night.
   • Video Examples:
     • Timelapse of a busy city intersection.
     • A mysterious figure walking through a foggy forest.
     • A skateboarder performing tricks in a vibrant skatepark.

3. Performance/Presentation Instructions:

   • Once the compositions are complete, groups will submit their tracks to the teacher’s folder for review.

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Conclusion and Reflection (8-10 minutes)

1. Class Discussion

   • Ask:
     • How did it feel to use AI as part of your creative process?
     • Did AI help unlock ideas, or did it feel like a limitation?
     • Can AI fully replace human creativity, or is it more of a collaborator?

2. Share key takeaways:

   • Emphasize how AI is transforming industries like advertising, game design, and film-making by generating music quickly.
   • Highlight how students can integrate tools like these into their own future musical endeavors.

3. Homework/Reflection Post on Google Classroom:

   • "Write a 150-200 word reflection on how the AI tools impacted your creative decisions today. In what areas did you rely on the AI, and how did you customize or lead the process?"

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Google Classroom Instructions

Title: Exploring AI in Music - Class Activity

Post Content:
"Today, we are diving into the world of AI-generated music. You’ll be experimenting with tools like Suno, AIVA, Soundraw, and more.

Instructions:

1. Complete your song for the individual prompt during Part 1.
2. During Part 2, work with your group to design a soundtrack/composition for your assigned visual prompt.

Don't forget to save and upload your compositions in the shared folder. I’m excited to hear your creative ideas in action!"

Homework: Post a reflection response (150-200 words) on how AI impacted your song creation choices. Due by [insert date].

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Supporting PowerPoint Slides

Slide 1: Title Slide

• Image: AI neural network graphic + abstract musical notes.
• Title: "Exploring AI in Music Creation"

Slide 2: Introduction

• Text: Brief history and capabilities of AI in music (bulleted facts).
• Images: Examples of modern AI music tools (logos of Suno, AIVA, Beatoven, etc.)

Slide 3: Part 1 Activity Instructions

• Text: Individual song prompts.
• Visuals: Icons representing the themes (e.g., gaming controller for “Boss Battle”).

Slide 4: Part 2 Group Activity Instructions

• Text: Collaborative group prompt with image/video selection examples.
• Image: Still frames of images with generated captions (e.g., "Mysterious forest").

Slide 5: Reflection Questions

• Text: Post-class discussion prompts to wrap up student reflections.

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This AI-based music creation lesson plan allows for hands-on exploration, creativity, and group interaction. Let students think critically about the overlap of technology and artistry while supporting 21st-century curriculum objectives.