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

📅 2025-05-26
📈 Citations: 0
Influential: 0
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🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the challenge of generating structurally coherent yet perceptually novel music through systematic integration of quantum computing principles into algorithmic composition. We propose a quantum-inspired compositional paradigm that operates across four interdependent musical dimensions—rhythm, timbre, harmony, and spatialization. Specifically, quantum superposition models compositional decision-making; particle trajectory simulation synthesizes stochastic timbres; harmonic progression and granular synthesis are governed by basis-state rotations in complex vector spaces; and quantum measurement uncertainty introduces controlled randomness in spatial panning. For the first time, quantum simulation, state rotation, and measurement noise are coherently mapped to interpretable, parametrically controllable musical attributes. Implemented within a real-time audio synthesis framework, our open-source toolchain produces demonstrable compositions. Empirical evaluation confirms significant improvements in structural integrity, unpredictability, and auditory novelty compared to conventional generative approaches.

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Application Category

📝 Abstract
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.
Problem

Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.

Applying quantum simulation to model music compositional decisions
Using quantum particle tracking to generate noise-based timbres
Leveraging quantum measurement error for spatial soundpath perturbations
Innovation

Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.

Quantum simulation models compositional decision making
Quantum particle tracking produces noise-based timbres
Basis state rotation controls harmonic texture probabilities
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C
Christopher Dobrian
University of California, Irvine CA 92697-2775, USA
O
Omar Costa Hamido
University of California, Irvine CA 92697-2775, USA; Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies (CEIS20), University of Coimbra, Portugal