Techniques for Quantum-Computing-Aided Algorithmic Composition: Experiments in Rhythm, Timbre, Harmony, and Space

Quantum computing can be employed in computer-aided music composition to control various attributes of the music at different structural levels. This article describes the application of quantum simulation to model compositional decision making, the simulation of quantum particle tracking to produce noise-based timbres, the use of basis state vector rotation to cause changing probabilistic behaviors in granular harmonic textures, and the exploitation of quantum measurement error to cause noisy perturbations of spatial soundpaths. We describe the concepts fundamental to these techniques, we provide algorithms and software enacting them, and we provide examples demonstrating their implementation in computer-generated music.

Intro to Quantum Harmony: Chords in Superposition

Correlations between quantum theory and music theory - specifically between principles of quantum computing and musical harmony - can lead to new understandings and new methodologies for music theorists and composers. The quantum principle of superposition is shown to be closely related to different interpretations of musical meaning. Superposition is implemented directly in the authors' simulations of quantum computing, as applied in the decision-making processes of computer-generated music composition.