PREFACE
In spring 2023, when the world was abuzz over generative AI, I attended an art exhibition in Midtown New York. Wanting to delve deeper into the stories behind the art, I was drawn to the exhibition catalog. As I thumbed through its pages, absorbing the rich history and context of each piece, an unexpected note on the copyright page made my heart skip a beat:
“The research for this catalog has been generated through ChatGPT and edited by…”
I blinked, reading the statement again. Here it was, ChatGPT, not in some abstract discussion but right in front of me, woven into the fabric of the art world. The reality of AI’s encroachment into traditional roles became tangible.
As a trustee for YoungArts, I passionately believe in the organization’s vision that artists are vital to our humanity. Seeing these technological advancements, I felt—and continue to feel—that artists face an existential threat. We may not be able to halt the progress of technology, but we can equip artists with the tools to fight back.
That’s why I created this series of guides: to demystify generative AI for artists and provide a roadmap for exploration.
I admit, even though I have made a career working with emerging technologies, AI scares me. It may evoke fear, skepticism, or discouragement in you too. But through knowledge comes opportunity, and through opportunity comes power.
Technology can enable great achievements and push humanity to new heights. Take, for instance, the visionary architect Frank Gehry. He once remarked that without the aid of design software, many of his groundbreaking architectural masterpieces would have remained mere figments of his imagination. In the same vein, while AI might seem daunting now, it also holds great promise.
My hope is that these guides help each of us find our own way to shift the threat of AI into an opportunity for something beneficial and transformative. Humanity deserves it.
Natalie Diggins
Creator, The Art Practitioner’s Guide to Generative AI series
Table Of Contents
The Speed of Innovation: Keeping Pace with AI in the Arts
In the fast-changing world of generative AI, the landscape shifts dramatically, even from day to day. Since these guides were first created, there has been significant evolution. New AI companies have emerged, and established ones have evolved so much that they’re almost unrecognizable. Even referring to these recent companies as ‘established’ underscores the speed of these changes.
To keep pace, my blog discusses the impact of the latest generative AI features and functionalities on artists. For instance, I cover ChatGPT’s voice and image input and output capabilities in this post.
Throughout this guide, I use the terms ‘Generative AI’ and ‘ChatGPT’ interchangeably for simplicity and ease of understanding, though this should not be taken as an endorsement of any particular product. It’s important to note that other AI generators, like Claude, Bard, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and others, can also be effectively utilized. The instructions provided in this guide are universally applicable, regardless of the specific generative text input AI tool you choose.
While the examples in this edition focus solely on text-based AI generation, many of the techniques shared in this guide are also applicable to text-to-visual applications. Future editions of the guide may incorporate specific examples of these applications.
Creator's Statement
In the development and refinement of writing the Art Practitioner’s Guide to Generative AI series, I have incorporated the use of OpenAI’s AI tool based on GPT-3.5. This technology played a significant role in enhancing the guides, including narrative development, idea expansion, language enrichment, and proofreading. The voice is distinctively my own.
Rightly, there is considerable concern and debate surrounding the use of material to train ChatGPT and other similar technologies, in addition to the risk of bias. I leave it to the artists, legislators, government officials, and courts to establish the framework governing and compensating such use and attribution, and I will incorporate and follow any rules, protections, standards, or best practices that result.
I specifically chose to use what was at the time OpenAI’s free and text-only tool to closely mimic the experience any artist with access to the Internet could have without the burden of cost.
Introduction: Bridging the Gap between Art and Generative AI
Today’s headlines are dominated by generative artificial intelligence (AI). Many people see this new technology as a cause for fear and uncertainty. But it should also be seen as an opportunity, especially for creators. The goal of this practical guide is to bridge the gap between generative AI technology and the artistry of jazz music so that practitioners can benefit from this emerging technology.
THE HOW
This guide is, above all, intended to be practical. In an age awash with theoretical insights, we understand the pressing need for actionable, hands-on knowledge. With the surge of generative AI in the world, artists need more than an overview—they need a roadmap. That’s why we’re not just discussing the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of generative AI—we’re delving into the ‘how.’ We want to equip you with the tools and knowledge to harness AI’s potential.
THE WHY
But why we’re creating this guide is still incredibly important. At the heart of this guide lies our commitment to empowering artists. By introducing you to the potential of generative AI, we’re giving you another tool in your artistic endeavors.
This guide aims to inspire innovation. We demystify generative AI and spotlight real-world artistic examples. AI challenges artists to move beyond convention, to experiment, and envision their craft in groundbreaking ways. Yet, innovation shouldn’t occur in isolation.
Hence, our focus on fostering collaboration. By integrating feedback and collective insights from the artistic community, we’re creating more than a guide; we’re crafting a platform for shared learning and mutual growth.
We also believe in democratizing access to this knowledge. Art shouldn’t be restricted by technological barriers. By distilling complex concepts into approachable insights, we’re striving to level the playing field, ensuring artists from diverse backgrounds can utilize AI.
The world of art and technology is fluid, and we embrace that. Our commitment to stimulating continuous growth means this guide remains an evolving entity. As we garner feedback and as the landscape shifts, we will iteratively refine our content, helping ensure that artists are always at the forefront of innovation.
THE GOLDILOCKS APPROACH
We initially aimed to create a guide that would cater to artists at every stage of their career, but given the rapid pace of technological evolution, in the time it would take to write the comprehensive guide we envisioned, it would likely be outdated by its release.
As a result, we’ve opted for a broader ‘Goldilocks approach.’ Some artists might find our examples too basic, while others might deem them too complex. But we hope that for many, they’ll be just right—and ideally, every artist will find something to enhance their practice.
Our measure of success for this project is simple: if you discover just one piece of valuable information—which could even be that generative AI isn’t for you—we’ve achieved our goal.
Now, let’s continue our exploration of generative AI, enriching our creative process and reshaping our engagement with the world of jazz music.
Your Brilliant and Supportive but Unreliable Collaborator
Generative AI is your eager collaborator, albeit an imperfect one. It’s like that endearing friend who loves telling stories but sometimes gets a little too creative with the details. Be sure to bring your fact-checking skills to the conversation.
Think of it as an unblinking, nonjudgmental sounding board, always ready to help you solve a problem at 3 a.m. It can take in your wildest idea, juggle it around, and toss it back with a fresh, unexpected spin.
It is the most accommodating coworker you’ll ever find, ready to dive into virtually any topic at a moment’s notice. Just remember to take its words with a grain of salt, and perhaps a dash of humor.
AI In the Arts - A Tool for Enhancement, not Replacement
AI simply confirms everything we have thought, but beauty in design is some- thing we discover; it emerges from corners you never thought it would.
Reinier de Graaf Partner,
Office of Metropolitan Architecture
While AI possesses extensive knowledge, it doesn’t understand the essence of beauty. AI excels in unveiling the hidden and unpredictable elements of design and artistic expression, but it lacks the human ability to translate that into works full of emotion and impact.
The real promise of AI isn’t about rendering artists obsolete but about magnifying their creative capacity. By incorporating this tool into your repertoire, you can navigate unexplored artistic landscapes and tap into new forms of jazz music.
This shift can be likened to the evolution of online jazz concerts. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom and various other platforms allowed jazz concerts to continue in a virtual format. While initially there were fears that this could mean the end of in-person jazz performances and jobs for jazz musicians, what has actually happened is that it’s provided an additional audience for jazz performers. Technology makes it possible for them to reach audiences they might not have had access to before due to geographical location, while still allowing for in-person performances.
Just as virtual jazz performances unlocked new horizons, generative AI holds the key to a treasure trove of untapped potential. The Jazz Music Practitioner’s Guide to Generative AI can help you delve into this exciting field.
This hands-on guide is a resource for jazz musicians of all types and abilities, offering insights, guidance, and practical tips to enhance your practice using generative AI. No advanced computer skills are necessary. If you’re comfortable with searching the Internet with Google, you’ll find ChatGPT easy to use.
ChatGPT can serve as a multifaceted companion, empowering jazz practitioners to explore, create, and advance their careers. Delve into early investigative research to uncover hidden gems of jazz history, find inspiration for composition and songwriting, refine your music production techniques, fine-tune your live performances, and navigate the intricate path to secure sought-after gigs and jobs. Embrace the joy of jazz, push your boundaries, and let this guide be your companion on your journey.
Let’s get started!
How to Set Up a Free ChatGPT Account
You can interact directly with AI through a tool called ChatGPT. Today, ChatGPT-3.5 is free after creating an account with your email address. For those seeking a more advanced experience, a premium version, ChatGPT 4, is available for a subscription fee. However, while this service is readily accessible in the United States, its availability is limited in certain countries.
To get started, visit the ChatGPT login page and create your account: https://chat.openai.com/auth/login
Have you set up your ChatGPT account? Great. Now let’s explore how you can use this technology in your jazz music practice.
Interacting with ChatGPT
ChatGPT operates primarily on text inputs, just like having a conversation with another person, but in this case, it’s a machine.
- Once you’ve logged into your account, find and click on the chat interface.
- You’ll see a blank chat box or a welcoming message. To start a conversation, you just type your message into the input field. This can be a question, a command, or simply a general statement.
- Chat is designed to respond to your queries or statements. For example, you could ask it “When was Tony Kushner born?” or say “Find me a poem about the theater.” It’s capable of answering questions, providing information, generating text-like stories or poems, and even engaging in casual conversation.
- After you’ve typed in your message, hit enter or click the “Send” button. Chat will process your message and generate a response, which will appear in the chat box. Response time usually takes just a few seconds.
- You can then continue the conversation based on the AI’s response. Remember, AI is designed to maintain a consistent chat flow, so it will always relate its responses to the ongoing context of the conversation.
You can end the conversation anytime you want by simply not entering any more text into the chat box.
Technology News You Can Use in your Jazz Music Practice
The Ethics of AI: Walking the Walk
When considering the use of generative AI, whether in the arts or any other field, there are a variety of ethical issues to consider. These issues require meticulous examination and resolution. For example, there may be concerns over bias and fairness, which question the impartiality of AI. There may also be concerns regarding originality and plagiarism, raising doubts about the authenticity of AI-created works. There’s the issue of manipulation and misinformation, where the possibility of AI being used to distort reality or mislead people is a significant concern. Finally, transparency and disclosure are pivotal, necessitating clarity about the use of AI.
As an artist, how should I cite in my work the influence of generative AI research? How do I ensure I’m not appropriative? How can I combat bias?
To cite the influence of generative AI research in your artwork, you can follow these practical steps:
- Title or Description: In the title or description of your artwork, consider including a brief mention of the AI model or technique that influenced your creation. For example, you could mention “Inspired by GPT-3.5” or “Art generated using StyleGAN.”
- Artist’s Statement: In your artist’s statement, talk about the role of generative AI research in shaping your creative process. Discuss how you used AI models, algorithms, or concepts to inspire and inform your artistic choices.
- Credits or Acknowledgments: Create a section in your artwork presentation or website where you explicitly acknowledge the generative AI models or research that influenced your work. Mention the names of the AI models, research papers, or artists whose work inspired you.
- Combat Bias: When researching topics that have been historically mis or under-represented in the archive or canon, supplement your AI research with a deeper literature review. Rigorously test and assess AI-generated content for bias, and view any identified bias as an opportunity for critical examination and discussion within your creative work. Experimenting with various settings and parameters in the AI model can also help mitigate bias and promote more balanced and ethical outcomes (creator’s note: Fine-tuning parameters like “temperature” and “top_p” helps in managing vocabulary selection, enabling you to control word choices and reduce the risk of introducing biased language. Please note, making these adjustments necessitates coding skills and a paid account.).
- Provide Links: Whenever possible, provide links to the original AI research papers or projects that influenced your work. This allows viewers to explore the source of your inspiration and learn more about the AI models you used.
- Avoid Plagiarism: Ensure that your artwork is original and not a direct copy of someone else’s generated content. Artistic inspiration is about using ideas as a starting point and transforming them into something new and unique.
- Engage in Dialogues: Participate in discussions within the AI and art communities to foster a respectful exchange of ideas. Share your process, give credit to influential work, and be open to feedback and collaboration.
- Comply with Licensing: If you are using specific AI models or tools, ensure that you comply with their licensing and attribution requirements. Some models may have open-source licenses that require you to provide attribution when using them.
- Promote Ethical Use: Be conscious of the social and ethical implications of using AI in art. Promote responsible and ethical AI use by considering the impact of your work on society and individuals.
While ChatGPT’s response to the issue isn’t comprehensive, or necessarily correct or right for you individually, it can serve as a jumping-off point for further reflection and discussion.
[Update: These suggestions were drafted when generative AI became available to the general public. Since then, text citation practice has evolved. MLA Style, APA Style, Chicago Style and many academic standards have been updated to address textual generative AI contributions.
Outside of academia, practicing consensus has evolved that generative AI is a tool, similar to Microsoft Word’s Editor feature, Adobe Photoshop, and spellchecking software. Similar to how these tools aren’t cited, generally neither is generative AI. That said, while generative AI may be used as a tool, the nature of its contributions to content creation might warrant different considerations compared to more straightforward productivity software.
The bottom line is that there is no right answer. Citation is a work in progress, and you should use your own judgment based on content and context.
The critical and complex issues of creator permission, attribution, and compensation remain unsolved and appropriately controversial.]
PRO TIP: While AI can be a useful tool, it isn’t a substitute for meticulous human review and in-depth follow-up. AI can produce errors and inconsistencies. Especially when delving into historically marginalized topics, cultural representations, or issues of authenticity, complement AI insights with trusted external sources. If you suspect faulty information, a first but not conclusive step is to ask the tool the same question again. Revisiting the question helps in cross-checking the consistency of the information provided. Then, query external sources. Exercise extreme caution and diligence on sensitive or nuanced topics.
Early Investigative Research
ChatGPT can be an invaluable tool for jazz musicians to explore early investigative research as part of their musical process. Discover hidden stories, musical insights, and historical context. Tailored inquiries can open a vault of information, deepening your understanding of jazz’s evolution, iconic figures, and cultural dynamics.
A jazz practitioner can leverage ChatGPT for early investigative research in the following ways:
- Historical Context: Begin by asking ChatGPT about specific jazz musicians, eras, or movements you’re interested in. ChatGPT can provide historical context, significant events, and key figures.
- Musical Analysis: Request insights into the musical styles and techniques of jazz legends. ChatGPT can help you understand the nuances of their playing, compositions, and improvisation.
- Discography Exploration: Ask for recommendations of essential jazz albums or recordings related to your research interests. ChatGPT can suggest influential recordings to study.
- Biographical Information: Gather biographical details about jazz musicians, including their life stories, influences, and contributions to the genre.
- Historical Jazz Venues: Inquire about iconic jazz venues and clubs from different eras. ChatGPT can provide information about legendary venues and their significance.
- Exploration of Jazz Subgenres: If your research pertains to specific jazz subgenres like post-bop, New Orleans jazz, or contemporary jazz, request explanations and examples to deepen your understanding.
- Musical Analysis Tools: Ask for recommendations on analytical tools or software that can assist in dissecting jazz compositions and improvisations.
- Comparative Studies: Seek guidance on conducting comparative studies between jazz musicians or eras. ChatGPT can help you identify similarities and differences in styles.
- Exploration of Jazz Movements: If your research involves examining jazz movements like the Harlem Renaissance or Free Jazz, ask for information on key figures, themes, and impact.
- Cultural and Social Context: Dive into the cultural and social context of jazz. ChatGPT can provide insights into how jazz has intersected with political, societal, and cultural changes.
- Jazz Literature: Inquire about recommended books, articles, or academic papers related to your research topic. ChatGPT can suggest valuable sources.
- Primary Sources: If you’re looking for primary sources like interviews or archival recordings, ask for guidance on where to find them.
- Collaboration Ideas: If you plan to collaborate with historians or researchers, brainstorm potential research questions or areas where jazz intersects with other disciplines.
PRO TIP: At the beginning of a conversation with ChatGPT, you can utilize something called a system message. A system message works as an initial instruction to provide context for the AI model. For example, if you are a jazz musicologist aiming to explore the intricate transitions in jazz phases, you could initiate the dialogue by stating, “As a jazz musicologist with an interest in the evolutionary phases of jazz, I am keen to delve deep into the transition from bebop to modern jazz eras.” This message helps the AI understand your background and the context of the discussion, allowing it to tailor its responses accordingly.
Jazz Composition and Songwriting
Using ChatGPT to explore jazz composition and songwriting can provide you with an array of improvisational techniques, fresh melodic motifs, and inventive chord progressions. Describe the mood or style you’re aiming for, and ChatGPT can offer suggestions for inspiration.
To generate jazz composition and songwriting ideas effectively from ChatGPT, follow these steps:
- Define Your Objective: Clearly outline the goal of your composition or song. Determine the style, mood, and theme you want to convey.
- Specify Your Needs: When interacting with ChatGPT, be specific about what you’re looking for. Mention whether you need melody, harmony, lyrics, or arrangement ideas.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Phrase your questions to encourage detailed responses. For example, ask, “Can you provide a jazz melody in a bluesy style with a melancholic feel?”
- Provide Context: Share relevant information about your project, such as the instruments you’re using, the tempo, or any existing lyrics or melodies.
I’m writing a Latin jazz piece for a trio with piano, bass, and drums. The tempo is moderately fast. Can you suggest rhythmic variations for the piano accompaniment?
Certainly! When composing a Latin jazz piece for a trio with piano, bass, and drums at a moderately fast tempo, rhythmic variations are essential to capture the lively and infectious groove of Latin rhythms. Here are some rhythmic variations for the piano accompaniment:
- Clave Patterns: Infuse clave rhythms into the piano accompaniment. The 3-2 or 2-3 clave patterns are foundational in Latin music and can serve as the rhythmic backbone of your piano comping.
- Montuno Patterns: Explore montuno patterns, especially in Cuban-influenced Latin jazz. These syncopated, repetitive figures create an energetic and driving rhythm. The left hand can handle the montuno while the right hand adds melodic accents.
- Syncopated Chords: Utilize syncopated chord voicings with accents on the off-beats. Syncopation adds unpredictability and energy to the accompaniment, creating a captivating rhythm.
- Ostinatos: Create rhythmic ostinato patterns in the left hand. These repeated motifs establish a steady groove, while the right hand can introduce melodic variations for contrast and interest.
- Broken Chords and Arpeggios: Employ broken chords or arpeggios to infuse rhythmic complexity. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns within the arpeggios to create a dynamic accompaniment.
- Cross-Rhythms: Integrate cross-rhythms where the left and right hands play contrasting rhythms. This polyrhythmic texture is characteristic of Latin jazz and adds depth to the accompaniment.
- Rhythmic Hits and Accents: Add rhythmic hits and accents strategically. Use them to emphasize transitions, highlight solo entrances, or signal changes within the composition.
- Polyrhythmic Phrasing: Experiment with polyrhythmic phrasing, where the left and right hands play different rhythms simultaneously. This technique can introduce complexity and excitement.
- Bossa Nova Grooves: If aiming for a bossa nova style, incorporate the distinct bossa nova rhythm, characterized by syncopated eighth notes and unique rhythmic accents.
- Salsa Rhythms: For a salsa-inspired piece, utilize classic salsa rhythms like the “tumbao” in the left hand, complemented by syncopated chord stabs and melodic embellishments in the right hand.
- Latin Percussion Imitation: Emulate the sounds of Latin percussion instruments such as congas or bongos with rhythmic patterns in the piano. This adds an authentic Latin texture to the music.
- Variations and Breaks: Introduce rhythmic variations and breaks strategically to create moments of tension and release. These can be used to emphasize transitions or signal changes within the composition.
When applying these rhythmic variations, maintain a strong sense of groove and rhythm. Latin jazz thrives on rhythmic interplay and the infectious energy of Latin rhythms, so your piano accompaniment should keep the rhythm section tight and engaging.
- Iterate and Refine: Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions or request revisions to refine the ideas generated by ChatGPT until they align with your vision.
- Experiment and Combine Ideas: Use the ideas and suggestions from ChatGPT as building blocks. Combine them, modify them, and experiment to create a unique composition.
- Review and Revise: Take the generated ideas and integrate them into your composition. Be open to making revisions based on how they fit within your overall piece.
PRO TIP: If ChatGPT doesn’t quite catch the nuances of your initial question, feel free to adjust it. When teaching jazz to students, not every instructional method or exercise you initially propose will sync well with the learners’ pace or comprehension levels. You might need to reassess and adopt different teaching strategies. Similarly, with ChatGPT, if you ask, “How to teach jazz rhythms?” and it doesn’t provide the depth of guidance you were hoping for, you could try, “What are effective strategies for teaching jazz rhythms?” or “What resources can aid in teaching jazz rhythms successfully?” Just as you adapt your teaching techniques to facilitate the optimal learning experience, sometimes tweaking your question, possibly several times, can lead to a more insightful and applicable response.
Practice and Training
Jazz musicians can benefit from ChatGPT’s assistance in refining their skills. It provides personalized guidance on techniques, scales, chords, and improvisation, along with insights into music theory, ear training, and repertoire recommendations.
To ask ChatGPT for assistance with jazz training and practice, follow these steps:
- Define Your Goals: Clearly identify your practice goals. Determine what specific aspects of jazz music you want to improve, whether it’s technique, improvisation, theory, or performance skills.
- Prepare Specific Questions: Formulate specific questions related to your practice goals. For example, if you want to improve improvisation, ask, “What are some effective strategies for jazz improvisation?”
- Start the Conversation: Begin a conversation with ChatGPT by stating your practice goal or question. For example, “I’m looking to improve my jazz piano technique. Can you provide exercises to help with finger dexterity?”
- Provide Context: Offer context about your current skill level, musical background, and the resources or instruments you have access to. This context will help ChatGPT provide more tailored suggestions.
I’m an intermediate-level jazz guitarist looking to elevate my improvisation skills in jazz fusion style. I’m particularly interested in improving my phrasing and navigating complex chord progressions smoothly. Can you provide a set of exercises or practice strategies that can help me do so?
Certainly! To enhance your jazz fusion improvisation skills, especially in the context of phrasing and navigating complex chord progressions smoothly, here are some exercises and practice strategies:
- Scale Sequences: Practice scales in various patterns and sequences. For example, play scales in thirds, fourths, or fifths. This helps improve your finger dexterity and understanding of scale structures.
- Chord-Tone Targeting: Focus on targeting chord tones (root, third, fifth, seventh) when improvising over complex chords. This enhances your melodic connection to the underlying harmony.
- Transcriptions: Analyze and transcribe solos from jazz fusion guitarists you admire. Pay attention to their phrasing, note choices, and how they navigate chord changes.
- Intervallic Playing: Experiment with intervals other than traditional scales. Incorporate fourths, fifths, and other intervals into your lines for a more fusion-inspired sound.
- Arpeggio Work: Practice arpeggios over chords to strengthen your chord tone knowledge. Extend beyond basic triads to seventh, ninth, and eleventh arpeggios.
- Time and Rhythm: Work on rhythmic precision. Use a metronome or backing tracks to practice different time signatures and complex rhythms.
- Modal Approach: Study and practice modes derived from different scales (e.g., modes of the melodic minor scale) to expand your tonal palette.
- Call and Response: Play a short phrase and respond to it with a complementary phrase. This exercise enhances your ability to develop musical ideas cohesively.
- Jam Tracks: Use jazz fusion jam tracks to practice improvisation in a realistic context. Focus on creating engaging melodies that fit the fusion vibe.
- Slow Practice: Practice challenging phrases and progressions at a slower tempo to ensure accuracy. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
- Play Along with Records: Play along with jazz fusion recordings to immerse yourself in the genre’s style and gain insights into phrasing and harmonic choices.
Remember to approach these exercises systematically, dedicating time to each aspect of your practice routine. Additionally, strive for a balance between technical exercises and expressive, musical improvisation. Over time, consistent practice and exploration will lead to noticeable improvements in your playing.
- Ask for Exercises or Tips: Request exercises, practice routines, or tips that align with your practice goal. For example, “Can you suggest a daily practice routine to develop my jazz ear training?”
- Follow Up with Clarifying Questions: If ChatGPT’s response requires clarification or if you need more information, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. Engage in a back-and-forth conversation to refine your practice plan.
- Experiment and Practice: Implement the suggestions provided by ChatGPT into your practice routine. Experiment with different exercises and techniques and note your progress.
PRO TIP: Understand that ChatGPT won’t always deliver the same response to a question each time it’s posed. When playing a jazz piece, you may have the same sheet music and the same ensemble, but every time you play, you infuse something distinct into the performance — a unique feeling; a subtle variation in tempo or dynamics. Similarly, when you pose a question to ChatGPT, even though the foundational knowledge is consistent, it might offer a different “rendition” or response each time, tapping into the improvisational spirit synonymous with jazz.
Music Production
ChatGPT can aid jazz musicians in improving music production. It provides advice on mix clarity, EQ, dynamics, and microphone choice. Musicians can seek techniques, plugin tips, and strategies to maintain jazz’s unique sound.
To get the most out of ChatGPT in your music production, follow these steps:
- Define Your Production Goals: Clearly identify your goals for music production. Determine what aspects of production you want to improve, such as recording quality, mixing, mastering, or overall sound aesthetics.
- Prepare Specific Questions: Formulate precise questions related to your production goals. For example, if you want to improve your mixing, ask, “How can I achieve a clearer mix in my jazz recordings?”
- Start the Conversation: Begin a conversation with ChatGPT by stating your music production goal or question. For instance, “I’m looking to enhance the overall sound quality of my jazz recordings. Can you provide some tips on achieving a professional sound?”
- Provide Context: Offer context about your current recording setup, equipment, software, and any challenges you’ve encountered. This information helps ChatGPT provide tailored advice.
- Ask for Techniques or Tips: Request specific techniques, tips, or best practices that align with your music production goal. For instance, “Could you recommend EQ settings to improve the clarity of jazz guitar recordings?”
What are some effective techniques for achieving a clean and professional mix in jazz recordings?
- Instrument Separation: Pay close attention to mic placement during recording to ensure that each instrument is well-isolated. This minimizes bleed and makes mixing more manageable.
- EQ Balancing: Use EQ to carve out space for each instrument in the frequency spectrum. For example, roll off unnecessary low-end frequencies from instruments like piano or brass to avoid muddiness.
- Dynamic Range: Embrace the dynamic nature of jazz. Allow instruments to breathe and avoid excessive compression. Use gentle compression to control dynamics while retaining the natural feel.
- Reverb and Ambience: Jazz often benefits from a sense of space. Apply reverb and ambience judiciously to create a natural sense of room or stage without overdoing it.
- Panning: Experiment with panning to position instruments in the stereo field. Traditional jazz arrangements often have drums centered, while other instruments spread out.
- Microphone Choice: Choose microphones that complement the tonal characteristics of jazz instruments. For example, ribbon mics can add warmth to brass instruments.
- Editing and Timing: Pay meticulous attention to timing and editing, as jazz often relies on tight rhythmic precision. Align and edit audio as needed to maintain a tight groove.
- Automation: Use automation to ride faders and adjust instrument levels throughout the track. This adds a human touch to the mix and emphasizes solos or important passages.
- Reference Tracks: Compare your mix to reference tracks of well-mixed jazz recordings. This helps you gauge the tonal balance, dynamics, and overall sound you’re aiming for.
- Communication: If you’re working with a recording engineer or mixing engineer, communicate your artistic vision and preferences clearly. Collaboration can yield excellent results.
- Monitoring: Invest in quality studio monitors and headphones for accurate monitoring. Make sure your listening environment is acoustically treated.
- Quality Recording: A great mix starts with a great recording. Ensure instruments are in tune, and musicians are well-rehearsed before hitting the record button.
- Mastering: Consider professional mastering to add the final polish to your jazz recording. A skilled mastering engineer can enhance the overall sound and loudness.
Remember that achieving a clean and professional mix is a skill that develops with practice. Trust your ears, listen critically, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you refine your mixing techniques for jazz recordings.
- Follow Up with Clarifying Questions: If the response requires clarification or if you need more information, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. Engage in a back-and-forth conversation to refine your production strategy.
- Combine with Traditional Resources: Remember that ChatGPT’s insights should complement traditional learning methods and interactions with experienced producers or engineers. Use it as an additional resource.
- Record and Evaluate: Apply the techniques you’ve learned and record your jazz compositions. Evaluate the improvements in your production quality over time and make adjustments as needed.
PRO TIP: Think of ChatGPT as your personal sound architect for your recording sessions. If it proposes recording techniques or ambient settings that resonate with your project’s vision, you might respond, “Give me more suggestions like this,” to unearth options that blend both artistry and technical precision seamlessly. Conversely, if the suggestions don’t match the sonic atmosphere you’re aiming for, a directive such as, “Suggest something more in line with a ragtime/hard bop/cool jazz style,” could guide it to fine-tune suggestions to better align with your jazz recording narrative.
Live Performance
In the quest to enhance live performances, jazz musicians may find ChatGPT a versatile tool to improve show quality. Whether to elevate stage presence, engage the audience, or create unforgettable moments, ChatGPT offers practical strategies and tips, from refining repertoire selection to mastering audience interaction.
Jazz musicians can follow these steps to obtain guidance from ChatGPT on improving their live performances:
- Identify Specific Goals: Determine the specific aspects of your live performance that you want to improve, whether it’s repertoire selection, improvisation skills, stage presence, or audience interaction.
- Formulate Clear Questions: Craft clear and concise questions related to your goals. For instance, “How can I enhance my stage presence during live jazz performances?”
- Initiate the Conversation: Begin a conversation with ChatGPT by stating your goal or question. For example, “I’m a jazz saxophonist looking to improve my improvisation skills in live performances. Can you provide some strategies?”
- Provide Context: Share context about your typical live performance settings, the size of the audience, the instruments involved, and any specific challenges you face.
I’m an Afro-Cuban jazz musician looking to elevate the quality of my live performances. Can you provide me with some practical strategies and tips to enhance my stage presence, engage the audience, and deliver memorable live shows?
Absolutely, as an Afro-Cuban jazz musician, enhancing your live performances can be achieved through a combination of musical and presentation techniques:
- Rhythm and Groove: Afro-Cuban jazz is rooted in rhythm. Focus on delivering tight, infectious grooves that make the audience move. Explore polyrhythms and syncopations for added excitement.
- Cultural Connection: Share the cultural significance of the music. Briefly explain the roots of Afro-Cuban jazz and the stories behind specific compositions to create a deeper connection with your audience.
- Percussion Showcase: Afro-Cuban jazz often features percussion prominently. Highlight percussion solos or create dynamic moments with the rhythm section to engage the audience’s senses.
- Danceable Tunes: Select tunes with danceable rhythms. Encourage the audience to dance and participate in the music. Afro-Cuban jazz naturally lends itself to a vibrant, dance-friendly atmosphere.
- Authenticity: Embrace the authenticity of Afro-Cuban jazz. Ensure that your performance respects the genre’s traditions while infusing your unique style and creativity.
- Audience Participation: Involve the audience by teaching them simple rhythmic claps or vocal responses. This interactive element can make your performance memorable.
- Visual Impact: Consider incorporating visual elements like colorful costumes or projections that reflect the vibrant culture of Afro-Cuban jazz.
- Band Communication: Communicate effectively with your band members. Non-verbal cues, eye contact, and musical chemistry contribute to a tight and engaging performance.
- Instrumentation: Experiment with a variety of traditional Afro-Cuban instruments to add depth to your sound. Congas, bongos, and maracas can enhance the experience.
- Storytelling: Share anecdotes or stories related to the music to provide context and connect with the audience on a personal level.
- Vocal Engagement: If vocals are part of your performance, use them to engage the audience emotionally. Singing in Spanish or with expressive phrasing can convey passion.
- Variety in Repertoire: Mix classic Afro-Cuban jazz standards with your original compositions. Offer a diverse musical journey that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
By incorporating these strategies and tailoring them to your unique style, you can elevate your Afro-Cuban jazz live performances, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
- Ask for Practical Advice: Request practical advice, exercises, or tips that align with your role. For example, if you’re a big band leader, be specific about the kind of guidance you’re seeking, whether it’s about arranging for a large ensemble, conducting techniques for big band performances, strategies for managing a diverse group of musicians effectively, or achieving the desired balance and dynamics in your big band’s sound.
- Engage in a Dialogue: If ChatGPT provides suggestions or insights, engage in a dialogue by asking follow-up questions to further refine your approach.
- Reflect and Adjust: After applying the advice, reflect on your live performances and assess the impact of the changes. Adjust your approach as needed.
PRO TIP: Understand the dual nature of ChatGPT’s knowledge. It holds information on jazz techniques, theories, and practices encompassing knowledge up until its last update in April 2023. For developments after April 2023, ChatGPT automatically searches the internet for the most recent updates. So while you may hear that ChatGPT’s training data isn’t current, it does have the ability to access the Internet for current information.
Securing Jazz Gigs and Jobs
In the competitive world of jazz, securing the right gigs and jobs requires a blend of talent, dedication, and strategic know-how. Whether you’re pursuing performance opportunities, educational roles, or other positions within the jazz realm, ChatGPT can provide tailored guidance on refining application materials, preparing for interviews, building connections, and staying attuned to industry trends.
For help asking ChatGPT for advice on securing jazz opportunities, follow these steps:
- Job Description: Start by sharing details about the job post you’re interested in. Mention the job title, company or organization, and any key responsibilities or qualifications mentioned in the job description.
- Define Specific Goals: Start by clearly defining what you are aiming to achieve—be it securing a gig, getting a job, or entering a contest.
- Formulate Specific Questions: Choose questions that align with these specific goals, such as, “How can I tailor my portfolio to appeal to potential employers in the jazz education sector?”
I’m interested in a jazz job currently available with Jazz at Lincoln Center.[1] Here is the job description summary. How do I position myself to get the job? What process should I follow?
The Assistant, Education will be responsible for providing administrative support to the Vice President of Education and the Director of Student and Family Programs for all events pertaining to Essentially Ellington, Band Director Academy, Jack Rudin Jazz Championship, education residencies and other programs as assigned. They will need to be highly motivated, organized, and have the ability to develop effective working relationships.
[1] Salary.com, retrieved from https://www.salary.com/job/jazz-at-lincoln-center/assistant-education/j202301311819102759976 on Sept. 23, 2023
Securing gigs and job opportunities in the jazz music scene can be competitive, but there are several strategies to help you advance your career: Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you approach this:
- Thoroughly Review the Jazz Education Role: Carefully examine the job description for the Jazz at Lincoln Center position in jazz education. Pay close attention to responsibilities related to educational programs, events, and administrative support.
- Assess Your Jazz Education Experience: Evaluate your qualifications within the context of jazz education. Highlight experiences and skills relevant to the role, such as previous work in jazz education programs, event coordination, and administrative support in a musical or educational context.
- Customize Your Resume for Jazz Education: Tailor your resume to emphasize experiences and achievements related to jazz education. Showcase your involvement in educational initiatives, workshops, or curriculum development in the field of jazz.
- Craft a Jazz-Centric Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter specifically addressing your passion for jazz education and how your background aligns with the needs of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Mention any previous experience with jazz education programs.
- Demonstrate Organizational Skills in a Jazz Context: Emphasize your organizational abilities within the jazz domain. Provide examples of how you managed schedules, coordinated jazz events, or contributed to jazz education projects effectively.
- Express Your Passion for Jazz Education: Showcase your genuine motivation and enthusiasm for jazz education. Explain why you’re drawn to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s mission and how you envision contributing to their educational programs.
- Highlight Relationship Building in Jazz: Stress your ability to build effective working relationships, which is crucial for collaborating with jazz educators and musicians. Share instances where you successfully collaborated within jazz education contexts.
- Follow Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Application Guidelines: Ensure you follow Jazz at Lincoln Center’s specific application instructions. Submit all required documents and any additional materials requested for the jazz education position.
- Prepare Jazz-Focused Interview Responses: If selected for an interview, prepare responses that relate your jazz education experiences to the role. Discuss your passion for jazz, your vision for jazz education, and your understanding of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s jazz education programs.
- Research Jazz at Lincoln Center: Deepen your knowledge about Jazz at Lincoln Center’s jazz education initiatives, including Essentially Ellington, educational residencies, and their mission to promote jazz. Be ready to discuss their programs during interviews.
- Ask Jazz-Centric Questions: During interviews, inquire about Jazz at Lincoln Center’s specific jazz education programs, partnerships, and future initiatives. Demonstrate your familiarity with their jazz education landscape.
- Professional Jazz References: Have professional references ready who can speak to your jazz education qualifications, your passion for jazz, and your ability to contribute effectively in this field.
- Thank You Note: After the interview, send a thank-you note expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role.
By following these tailored steps, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate who is uniquely suited for a jazz education role at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Best of luck!
- Application Materials: Inquire about the specific materials you should prepare for the application, such as a resume, cover letter, or portfolio. Ask for tips on creating compelling application materials.
- Questions for the Employer: If you have questions you plan to ask the employer during an interview, share them with ChatGPT to seek advice on how to frame them professionally.
- Closing the Deal: If you’re interested in discussing salary negotiation or contract terms, seek guidance on how to approach these topics professionally.
PRO TIP: Securing gigs and collaborations in the jazz world is much like crafting a jazz composition. Start with a blank sheet, equivalent to framing your initial query with ChatGPT like, “How can I excel in the jazz industry?” Next, as you introduce a melody in music, in your interaction with ChatGPT, progressively reveal your focus, maybe by asking about popular jazz genres or performance venues. Lastly, just as you’d harmonize and refine a jazz composition, refine your line of questioning with specifics such as, “How can I effectively promote my music for jazz festivals?” Just as in jazz, each step with ChatGPT refines your tune, helping you grasp professional opportunities.
The Art of Asking the Right Questions
By now, you may have picked up on a common thread running through our exercises: there’s an art to asking ChatGPT the right questions to draw out the information you’re seeking. This skill is known as “prompt engineering,” and its application is not limited to text creation—it’s an indispensable tool for interacting with any generative AI technologies, even those that translate text into visuals, such as DALL-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion.
The framing of prompts, much like the phrasing of a question in human interactions, can significantly influence the response. This is reminiscent of the legal concept of “leading the witness,” where the way a question is posed can inadvertently or intentionally guide someone to a particular answer.
For example, asking the leading question, “Considering the controversial and shocking nature of art exhibition A, how has it been received by the public?” versus asking the neutral question, “What are the themes of art exhibition A, and how has the public responded to them?” yields very different responses.
The leading prompt assumes the exhibition is controversial and shocking. Meanwhile, the neutral version first seeks to understand the themes of the exhibit and then gauge the public’s reaction.
In the context of generative AI, a poorly framed or leading prompt may result in biased, incorrect, or undesirable outputs. Conversely, a well-phrased prompt can harness the AI’s capabilities more effectively, generating better, more accurate responses.
Although some companies are currently developing tools to automate this task, mastering prompt engineering gives you a unique advantage when interacting with various AI products, not just ChatGPT. Indeed, for the field of generative AI, being proficient in prompt engineering is like knowing how to read in a library full of books. It’s a key to unlocking a lifetime of learning.
Your Turn
Now, think about your own creative practice. What questions do you have that might benefit from ChatGPT’s input? Remember, unlike with a search engine where you ask a single question and the engine returns an answer, dialoguing with ChatGPT is a conversation.
Below are some questions to help you begin. The more you refine the prompts and add depth, the more useful answers you’ll get.
- I’m a jazz musician interested in embarking on a collaborative project with a visual artist. What steps should I take to initiate and nurture this interdisciplinary partnership effectively?
- How do I obtain usage rights for existing music, not my own, that I plan to play in both in-person and digital performances?
- What were the key influences and challenges in Django Reinhardt’s life, and how did they shape his innovative approach to jazz guitar playing? Additionally, can you highlight some of his most influential compositions and collaborations within the context of early jazz music?
- I’m a music journalist exploring the concept of ‘modal jazz’ in my article. Could you explain it in simple terms and provide examples of modal jazz compositions?
- Can you detail Mary Lou Williams’ background and achievements, and explain how her jazz style and themes contributed to the evolution of jazz and cultural narratives?
- What strategies and approaches can I employ to make my music more accessible and appealing to a broader and more diverse audience, while maintaining the integrity of my artistic vision?
- What were the key motivations, principles, and contributions of the Big Band movement, and how did it influence the perception and development of jazz as an art form during the early 20th century in the United States?
- Please list at least 10 jazz musicians who have successfully developed interdisciplinary jazz practices, along with any tips on what drove their success and any pitfalls to avoid.
- I’m a musician with a series of weekend gigs lined up at a local bar, and I’m eager to boost the promotion of these performances. Can you provide me with a creative list of promotional ideas and strategies to attract a larger and more engaged audience?
These examples are intended merely as a starting point. Dive in. Experiment, iterate, but most importantly, don’t worry—you’ve got this.
How do you use Generative AI?
Your insights could greatly enhance this guide, providing invaluable support to our jazz community. Here’s how you can help:
Share your experiences: If you have already explored generative AI in your artistic practice, we would love to hear about it. How has it impacted your creative process? What challenges have you faced? What benefits have you discovered? By sharing your stories, you can inspire and guide fellow artists who are also exploring how generative AI can benefit them.
Contribute to the guide: We welcome your thoughts and suggestions for improvement. Is there anything missing? Are there sections that could be expanded or clarified?
Thank you for joining this journey. Every step we take in exploring the potential of generative AI not only enhances our individual artistic practice but also strengthens our collective jazz community. So keep playing, keep experimenting, and let’s continue on this adventure together.
Please share feedback with Natalie Diggins @ natalie@thearts.ai
Also available in The Art Practitioner’s Guide to Generative AI series:
–A Classical Music Practitioner’s Guide to Generative AI
–A Dance Practitioner’s Guide to Generative AI
–A Photography Practitioner’s Guide to Generative AI
–A Theater Practitioner’s Guide to Generative AI
Glossary
Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of the thinking, learning, and problem-solving abilities of humans by computers or other machines.
ChatGPT: ChatGPT is a type of generative AI that’s trained to understand and generate human-like text. By learning from billions of sentences, it can have conversations, answer questions, and even write stories that sound like they were written by a person.
DALL-E: DALL-E is an AI image generator model developed by OpenAI. Like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, it can create new images in response to text descriptions or even from random inputs. Think of DALL-E as an artist that can draw a new, unique picture based on a story or description you give it.
Generative AI: Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as images, text, or music, by learning patterns from existing data. Generative AI learns from a lot of examples, identifies patterns within them, and then uses those patterns to create new, original content. For instance, after analyzing many pictures of dogs, it can draw a new picture of a dog that doesn’t exist.
Midjourney: Midjourney is an AI image generator model developed by Midjourney, Inc. Like DALL-E and Stable Diffusion, it can create new images in response to text descriptions or even from random inputs. What sets it apart is its proficiency in adapting art styles that can be mixed and matched to create an image.
Prompt Engineering: Prompt engineering is the process of carefully crafting questions or commands (prompts) for AI systems like ChatGPT, with the goal of getting more useful or accurate responses. It’s like learning to ask the AI in the right way to get the best possible answer.
Stable Diffusion: Stable Diffusion is an AI image generator model developed by Stability AI. Like DALL-E and Midjourney, it can create new images in response to text descriptions or even from random inputs. It can start with a blank, messy canvas (which is called “noise”) and gradually refine it into a new image. In AI terms, this “noise” is just a scramble of random colors and shapes. But over time, the AI slowly adjusts this mess, bringing out details and structure, until a recognizable image forms. It’s a bit like watching a blurry photograph gradually come into focus.
System Message: A system message, in the context of a chatbot conversation like with ChatGPT, is a directive or instruction given at the beginning of the conversation that sets the context, role, or behavior of the AI. This allows the user to guide the AI’s responses and tailor the conversation to their specific needs or objectives.
About Us
Natalie Diggins
Natalie Diggins is a technology founder, hands-on executive, investor, and advisor with over two decades of strategic and operational experience in engineering and operations in both public and venture-funded technology enterprises.
Throughout her career, Natalie has been instrumental in scaling nascent technologies and methodologies that are now at the forefront of the tech world, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics process automation, blockchain, cybersecurity, Internet of Things, and cloud technologies.
Natalie serves on the board of trustees of YoungArts: The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists, and she is passionate about ensuring that artists have a voice in shaping the direction of technology and its implications for society. In line with this belief and her commitment to democratizing technology access, she recently founded TheArts.ai, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between technology and the arts
YoungArts
Established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison, YoungArts identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom. YoungArts provides space, funding, mentorship, professional development and community throughout artists’ careers. Entrance into this prestigious organization starts with a highly competitive application for talented artists ages 15–18, or grades 10– 12, that is judged by esteemed discipline-specific panels of artists through a rigorous blind adjudication process.
With Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to the remarkable artists who lent their time and expertise to review this guide, helping to shape it into a more useful and accurate tool. I would especially like to thank Nick Dunston, Jesse Blue Eads, and Gabriel Schnider. While their contributions have been invaluable, any mistakes or omissions are solely my own.