AI and the soul of sound: Shaping music education’s future in the digital age

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes educational landscapes worldwide, its integration into music education opens new possibilities and challenges across diverse regions in Asia. Researchers bring distinct viewpoints on AI’s role in enhancing music instruction while safeguarding the essence of musical artistry. This symposium explores how each region uniquely navigates AI’s potential—examining themes from philosophical reflections on creativity to the ethical and pedagogical frameworks necessary for its responsible use. Together, these perspectives reveal the dynamic impact of AI on music education and provide a comparative view of its adoption across Asia. The role of generative AI in music education is both promising and complex. In Japan, a philosophical perspective is considered, arguing that while AI can classify and mimic patterns, it remains a computational processor without true musical comprehension. The anticipated technological singularity raises questions about AI’s impact on future musicians and on the creative self-expression of children. The researcher in Hong Kong emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching to cultivate higher-order thinking skills in students, especially critical thinking and creativity, in light of AI’s growing role in classrooms. He discusses teaching examples that show how generative AI can support meaningful music learning experiences. In Korea, referencing the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD, 2024), highlights that while AI facilitates creativity by reducing repetitive tasks, it brings ethical challenges, particularly regarding fair compensation and copyright for AI-generated content. These issues demand regulatory attention to maintain accountability and ensure that human creativity remains distinguishable. Lastly, In Taiwan, AI use is strictly guided by the Ministry of Education’s policies, making teacher training essential. This presentation will provide examples from Taiwan’s teacher professional development programs, showing how AI can be integrated effectively despite the challenges. As generative AI continues to reshape music education, it is essential to address the philosophical, ethical, and educational challenges that arise. By examining AI’s role through multiple lenses, from philosophical inquiry to practical application, we underscore the importance of supporting teachers and establishing regulatory frameworks. Ultimately, AI’s potential in music education will depend on our commitment to safeguarding the essence of musical creativity, while equipping students with the skills to navigate this evolving landscape. Copyright © 2025 Asia-Pacific Symposium for Music Education Research.