MINDY PETERSON, NCTM

Photo by Isabelle Offer, courtesy of AyseDeniz

Award-winning pianist and composer AyseDeniz is expanding classical music’s reach by blending tradition and technology in fascinating ways. She’s using AI not only to bring classical music to new audiences but also to imagine what the legendary  composers (think Chopin and Mozart) might have composed if they were alive in the digital age. AyseDeniz shares insights on economic factors at play, the future of music, and how AI can amplify – not replace – human artistry. Join us as we explore how AI is reshaping classical music for the next generation!

Guest

My guest today is using AI in innovative, exciting, and surprising ways to bridge the past and present, and amplify human talent and artistry. AyseDeniz is a classically trained award-winning pianist and composer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master’s from the Royal Academy of Music. She is an official Kawai Artist and has performed in over 29 countries, from classical concert halls to rock and jazz festivals. In 2022, she was named one of the “20 under 40 Young Shapers of the Future of Music” by Encyclopaedia Britannica. Her compositions are featured on Amazon Prime, BBC Networks, and National Geographic.

Notes

We discuss:

• One of AyseDeniz’s goals is to bring classical music to a much wider audience. To that end, she has embraced AI as a tool for amplifying human talent and preserving history. Not all artists are happy about the development of AI. Ayse explains how she became excited about AI and its ability to amplify human talent AND bring classical music to a wider audience.
• Ayse’s AI-Piano show, “Classical Regenerated.” (Spoiler: This is not your traditional piano concert!)
• What would the legends be composing if they were still alive?
• Ayse’s favorite AI tools.
• Advice for educators of our next-gen musicians re: the educational potential of AI in classical music.
• Ayse’s status as a Kawai Artist.
• Ayse’s CogX 2024 Chopin AI Presentation: Listeners had to determine which piece was 1) authentic Chopin, 2) composition of hers in the style of Chopin, and 3) AI-generated Chopin. I could see this being a hugely effective learning tool AND very fun and engaging and attention-grabbing for today’s students!

Connect/Other Resources

• AyseDeniz website: ADpianist.com
• AyseDeniz on Apple Music
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adpianist/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adpianist
• TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@adpianist
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysedeniz
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MhNojJNQsaW1KXqKTX2Y0

Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:

• Ep. 181: What does AI mean for the world of music? With Nicholas Lehman
• Ep. 183: Amplified Potential – Revaluing Music in Education and Society; with Frank Fitzpatrick
• Ep. 174: Next Generation Music Education – Strategies, tools, and inspiration with Eric Songer
• Ep. 171: Elevating the Gaming Experience: The unique artistry and composition challenges of interactive video game music; with award-winning composer Winifred Phillips
• View all episodes related to Education & Community

In-Episode Promo

SHEET MUSIC DIRECT: One of my favorite places to turn for instant gratification and a dopamine hit is browsing digital sheet music at SheetMusicDirect.com. This online store is powered by music publisher Hal Leonard, and it has over a million arrangements that you can view, listen to, and download. No need to buy an entire book for that one song you love. Create your own library from selections representing all levels, instruments, genres, and holidays. Prices start at $0.99 and you can both print your purchases and access them on any device, which is really handy for those of us who travel or are trying to go paperless.

I would say this is my guilty pleasure, but it’s actually a guilt-free pleasure. There are so many brain benefits to reading music, making music, and experiencing NEW music. Instead of subscribing to another streaming platform, subscribe to Sheet Music Direct to treat yourself and your kids to real brain food and a guilt-free pleasure. Access the latest hits and yesterday’s classics at sheetmusicdirect.com.

Coda

AyseDeniz shares her composition, “Kelton,” and the story behind it.

Closing Words

And that is little bit of “Kelton.” Thank you so much to AyseDeniz for joining us today and sharing these innovative ways to expand classical music’s audience and amplify human artistry. I hope this conversation got your creative wheels turning and is leaving you feeling inspired to use AI as a tool in your educational and artistic toolboxes.

During our conversation, Ayse alluded to a big upcoming performance that she couldn’t elaborate on at the time of our conversation. That performance has happened – Ayse performed at the TED AI San Francisco event in late October. There is more information and photos in the show notes.

You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.

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