What 45+ European Music Professionals Think About AI
There wasn’t one answer.
Authors: Shalini Tomar (NTNU), Ibrahim El Shemy (NTNU), Francesca Cerretani (EJN), Battista Tofoni (EJN), Stefano Zucchiati (EJN), Katrien De Moor (NTNU)
AMPLIFY at the Artistic Exchange Platform in Trondheim
On 6 May 2026, more than 45+ music professionals from across Europe came together in Trondheim, Norway, for the Europe Jazz Network (EJN) Artistic Exchange Platform, hosted in partnership with Trondheim JazzFest. As part of the event, they took part in an interactive workshop organized by the AMPLIFY project. Together, participants explored one of the most pressing questions facing the cultural sector today: What role should digital technology in general, and AI in particular, play in the future of music?
The workshop started with the NTNU team reflecting on why and how we work in a human-centred way with the digital transition in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) in the AMPLIFY project, and how we deal with ethical dilemmas and considerations in this respect.
Next, and to lay a foundation for the group discussions, the AMPLIFY members from NTNU presented highlights from recent academic research on musicians’ and artists’ views, fears, and attitudes related to AI and digital technology. A keyword in this respect is “ambivalence”: recent studies indicate that musicians are ambivalent but not opposed to AI, and perceive both opportunities and threats (e.g., related to identity, authorship, fairness). Furthermore, while the idea of using AI as an assistant in this context is prominent and generally supported, the idea of AI as a replacement is rejected.
As a follow-up, and to encourage open discussion, the participants were divided into six groups and invited to share their thoughts about AI and other digital technologies in music, including how AI is used across different parts of the music lifecycle, particularly in live music, such as planning events, supporting live performance (for example, helping with sound or music during show) and enhancing audience engagement (for example, making performance more interactive for the audience). Instead of looking for one “right” answer, they wrote their ideas, concerns, and hopes on Post-it notes and placed them on large posters divided into three sections: Opportunities, Threats, and Actions.
Opportunities
What started as a simple activity quickly turned into lively discussions. People talked about what excited them about AI, what worried them, and what they hoped it could bring to the future of music. As the posters filled up, it became clear that there were many different opinions, but also many shared questions about how AI might change the way music is created, shared, and experienced.
Although every Post-it note reflected a different opinion, many of the same ideas appeared again and again. Together, they revealed shared hopes, common concerns, and a genuine curiosity about how AI could support the music community without taking away the creativity and human connection that people value in music.
Many participants saw AI as a helpful tool. They believed it could save time by helping with planning, funding applications, logistics, education, and other administrative tasks. Others felt it could make music more accessible, help people connect across cultures, and allow artists to spend less time on paperwork and more time creating. Some even imagined new ways for people and AI to create music together.
But the conversation soon moved beyond saving time. People started asking bigger questions.
One participant wrote:
“The opportunities can make your work faster, but why?”
That simple question encouraged everyone to think more deeply. Is faster always better? How can AI help artists while protecting creativity, emotion, and the human connection that makes music meaningful?
Concerns
Alongside the opportunities, participants also shared their concerns. Copyright and ownership were mentioned in almost every group. People questioned how artists could protect their work, how audiences would know if music was created by AI, and what might happen if technology replaced parts of the creative process. Others worried about fake artists, job losses, and a growing gap between those who have access to new technology and those who do not. Some also felt that music could lose something important if it becomes too perfect or too automated. Small human touches, emotions, and natural imperfections that make live performances feel real and unique.
One of the music professionals pointed out:
“We Are Already Late!”
Whether it reflected urgency, concern, or both, it reminded everyone that these conversations need to happen now, while artists and creative professionals still can help shape the future.
Action
The final part of the workshop focused on action. Across all six groups, many participants called for better education, stronger copyright protection, clear regulations, fair pay for creative work, and responsible use of AI. One participant even suggested developing AI that could make “interesting mistakes,” recognizing that imperfections are often part of what makes music feel real.
Not everyone agreed, and that was one of the best parts of the workshop. Different experiences led to different opinions, and that diversity became one of the workshop’s greatest strengths. Instead of looking for a single answer, participants listened to one another, challenged ideas, and explored what a positive future with AI could look like.
This is what the AMPLIFY project is all about. By bringing together artists, musicians, researchers, festival organizers, educators, and other creative professionals, AMPLIFY creates space for open conversations about technology while keeping people, creativity, and collaboration at the heart of the discussion.
As the session came to an end, one message written by a participant remained on the poster:
“Be the alternative.”
Perhaps that is the biggest takeaway from the day. The future of music will not be shaped by AI alone. It will be shaped by the people who choose how to use it.
The conversation doesn’t end with this workshop.
We invite you to take part in the AMPLIFY survey and share your experience, ideas, and expectations. Your feedback will help us guide the development of future solutions that reflect the real needs of artists and music professionals.
The workshop was facilitated by Katrien De Moor, Ibrahim El Shemy, and Shalini Tomar (NTNU), with support from Francesca Cerretani, Stefano Zucchiatti and Battista Tofoni from EJN as part of the AMPLIFY project.
