andhya Anand
Carnatic Vocalist & Violinist
2025 Individual Artist Fellow - NJ State Council on the Arts
|| Srih ||
From the Editor’s Desk
This month our newsletter co-editor, Aparajetha, has picked a trending topic that the whole world is discussing about these days. Enjoy reading!!!
I want to address the timely and pressing question of AI's role in music.
Carnatic Music, a pillar of South Indian culture, is defined by its intricate ragas, talas, and expressive Gamakas. As stewards, our mission to preserve and propagate this tradition now confronts the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), raising questions about its potential impact.
The idea of AI within classical music often sparks a spectrum of responses, from enthusiasm to concern. While some foresee a digital vidwan that broadens access to learning, others worry about the potential erosion of the esteemed Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-disciple tradition). Nevertheless, AI should be perceived not as a rival, but as a potent, modern instrument—a virtual pakka vadyam (accompanying instrument) for the contemporary artist and rasika (connoisseur).
Initially skeptical, I experimented with Gemini and was pleasantly surprised by its potential. I posed the following question to Gemini: "I know Mohanam, Sankarabaranam, Kalyani, Abhogi, Begada, Hamsadhwani, Hindolam, Saveri, Kamas... in what order can I organize a concert that includes these ragas?"
Gemini provided a suggestion.
It's worth noting that AI models currently "suggest," which could lead to a reduction in the rigorous use of our own critical thinking and decision-making skills. I asked another question “Please suggest Kalpanaswaram in Kalyani”. The suggestion came to be the below :
There certainly is immense potential in using Gemini as a practice tool and partner. However, I have come to realize that as AI advances, the beauty of imperfection in live, natural performances will be increasingly valued and embraced. I'm eager to see how AI will be able to convey the true emotion (bhava) of an artist, which is so deeply felt by the audience (rasikas)!
Sandhya Anand
Director of Samskrtasangitam School of Music