Quantum Music
Quantum Music Experiments
Quantum Computing | Experimental Audio
Tools: IBM Qiskit, Quantum Music Playground, p5.js, instruments, Ableton Live
IBM Quantum Computing Certificate
Issued by IBM recognizing proficiency and understanding of Quantum technical topics. The earner has gained the ability to apply the concepts and technology to design and develop a Quantum solution prototype that is applicable to real world scenarios, suitable for educational purposes.
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1. Quantum Music Playground experiment
QMP is Max device in Ableton Live 11, developed by IBM Quantum Developer James L. Weaver.
It serves as a decent tool for music lovers to learn topics in quantum computing. QMP is also a fun device for quick beat / drum making.
The logic behind, to put it in simple way, is using a sequencer that is triggered by quantum circuits.
QMP interface
screenshot from my Ableton Live 11
example of a quantum circuit
screenshot from IBM Quantum Computing
example of a step sequencer
looks really similar to QMP
Conclusion and some concerns:
Since the working mechanism is mainly based on calculating measure and pitch, composing music becomes extremely difficult with QMP. However, it is still a very cool tool to make beats from a quantum computing aspect.
Below is an experiment I did using QMP to deconstruct the riff of Stay (Justin Bieber and The Kid Laroi)
2. Prelude of Interference
This is the final project I did with two other classmates, Audrey Razak and Malath Kamaluldeen, for Collaboration class: Quantum Computing with IBM.
We were inspired by Leonard B. Meyer who describes music creation as a “complex system of probabilities.” Interestingly, the two major concept in quantum computing: Interference and Superposition, both present similar ideas. In music, interference also happens when, for example, several musicians play all together at the same time / pianist pressing two or more notes at the same time. At that exact moment, notes are superposed.
This project intend to present the idea by creating music based on random interference.
Below is the presentation slide we had during the class:
We also visualized the process in p5.js. Every time notes are superposed, visuals of random shape and random color will appear. Then, based on the notes, me and Audrey perform on real instruments.
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