Background

Music licensing is often complex. The team at the University of Sheffield has developed artificial intelligence (AI) software for tailored music generation which enables:

Creation of professional quality and copyright-free music and lyrics;
Personalised music and variations of music based on a theme;
Mixing of different styles including classical, jazz, electronic, rock, Chinese folk, and Arabic;
Synthesis of musical sounds.

Technology Overview

Over the last two years, the team has worked with various musicians and has developed prototype music software for automated music composition, lyric generation, and musical sound synthesis. In particular, the developed music AI can create expressive and complex musical compositions with a coherent long-term structure and for up to 128 instruments. It can also blend different styles to generate music with new elements.

The technology has already been used by a few musicians via a web-based interface, which allows users to customise music generation settings, upload their own music to create variations, and download the generated music in various formats. The web interface eliminates the need for installing software.

Benefits

Boosting creativity: Providing new tools to enhance and compliment the creative process of music creation to produce novel approaches and exciting combinations;
Original and non‑repetitive music: Creating royalty-free music and lyrics;
Personalised and exclusive music content: There is a growing demand for more personalised experiences and exclusive content tailored to individual needs and habits. People listen to music at various times in the day, during a wide range of activities, and experience a multitude of emotions.

Applications

Musicians and producers where AI music generation can support and enhance the creative process;
Entertainment industries such as monetised video content, advertisements, and event organisers, which may want to create music according to a theme;
Gaming industries for generating music in interactive contexts such as immersive technologies and non-repetitive original music;
Music therapy including music relaxation, sleep and mental health, which need tailored music.

Opportunity

The team is currently undertaking market discovery activities to inform development and secure funding for the next version of the software.

AI Music and Lyric Generation

IP Status

Seeking