How might artificial intelligence change the way humans conceive musical ideas? Notto J. W. Thelle’s thesis focuses on jamming-oriented approaches to music making and examines how setting up an environment where humans and computers share the creative initiative might affect the music-making experience. Starting from a theoretical vantage point of dynamical systems, the gradual development of such an environment is realized through four studies using a Research through Design approach within a methodological framework of triangulation between theory, observation, and design.
Whereas the aim of the first and second studies is to understand the creative dynamics between human musicians, the third study employs a Wizard of Oz methodology in which a keyboard player behind the scenes simulates a computer system playing along with human musicians. Based on findings from these first three studies, a mixed-initiative interactive music system developed by Thelle forms an integral part of the final study.