AI Music Generators: A New Tool for Planetarians

Music has long been an integral part of both live and pre-rendered planetarium shows. Naturally, technological advancements bring new opportunities, and one recent development is the ability to use generative AI to produce original compositions quickly and effortlessly—two crucial qualities for planetarians with busy schedules.

Back in March 2023, I presented a methodology for using generative AI to create fisheye images and photos that could seamlessly integrate into planetarium shows without requiring expensive DSLRs, lenses, or special equipment. Now, it’s time to explore how AI can revolutionize music and songs in planetariums!

Whether you need background music to loop during a show, a cinematic masterpiece to accompany a supernova explosion, or a catchy educational song to teach children how to locate Polaris, AI music generators can deliver it in no time.

Creating 'The Planetarium Song'

To truly put AI to the test, I decided to tackle something challenging: producing a song. This is one of the most complex outputs, as it combines lyrics, music, and a (virtual!) vocal performance. Considering the special milestone we’re all celebrating—the Planetarium Centennial—I chose to create a song dedicated to this occasion.

Check out the 10 song variations I produced and learn more afterwards! Oh, by the way, the first two (xFactor and Otherworldly) are my favourites!

xFactor
Otherworldly
Jazz
Rock
Gospel
Piano Ballade
Walt Disney
Cyberfuturist
Club Banger
RAP

 

For this experiment, I established one important rule: everything had to be done with AI. First, I trained ChatGPT, ensuring it understood what planetariums are. Then, I provided information about the centennial and the emotions visitors often experience during shows. Finally, I asked it to write song lyrics, giving precise instructions about the kind of message I wanted the song to convey.

Thanks to the specificity of the prompts, ChatGPT’s output was spot on—you can find the lyrics here.

During my tests, I wanted to explore the limits of generative AI by challenging it with unusual metrics in the verses. Impressively, the AI adapted with excellence every time. It consistently created harmonious compositions with musical structures that matched my requirements. The pronunciation of the virtual voices was flawless with perfect diction. I tried to do the same using the Italian language too and that pronunciation was also perfect!

One thing became clear: AI has a profound understanding of different musical styles, supports multiple languages, allows for extensive customization, and dynamically arranges music around the structure of the song, which it recognizes almost perfectly.
The applications are virtually limitless: from holiday planetarium shows like Christmas or Halloween to personalized birthday celebrations and more. The only limit is your imagination.

How It Works

As demonstrated, generative AI can be used to create original musical compositions. This innovative technology leverages machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks to analyze vast datasets of music, identifying patterns to generate new pieces.

There are numerous AI music generators available online (I used Suno), each with unique features and capabilities. Some are beginner-friendly, while others offer advanced options for seasoned users. Many platforms offer free accounts or trial periods, allowing you to experiment without committing to a subscription. Plus, they guarantee the result is copyright-free.

A key advantage of generative AI is its accessibility. Despite I do have some background in music, I found that no formal knowledge of music theory or specialized software is required to use these tools. Everything is incredibly simple and intuitive, making it accessible even to those without prior musical experience.

Once you’ve chosen a tool, composing new music is relatively simple and involves just a few basic steps:

  1. Set the Parameters: Input details like tempo, key, genre, and any specific musical elements you want, such as melodies or rhythms.
  2. Generate the Composition: The AI will analyze your inputs and create a piece of music. Although complex algorithms power the process, your composition will typically be ready within seconds or minutes, depending on its complexity.
  3. Review and Adjust: Listen to the generated piece and make any necessary adjustments to fine-tune it.
  4. Export the Final Version: Once satisfied, export the music in your preferred format and integrate it into your planetarium show.

Final Thoughts

AI music generators are a powerful tool for planetarians seeking to create high-quality music compositions efficiently. They can save time and spark creativity, making them an invaluable addition to your production process. This methodology is equally useful for digital and optomechanical planetariums since the need for music is universal.

Of course, while AI simplifies workflows and inspires creativity, it should never replace human ingenuity. Instead, think of it as a tool to enhance your creative process and expand the possibilities for your planetarium shows.

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