Machine Learning Course For Creatives Opens on Kadenze

This Goldsmiths University of London course will be the first of its kind offered anywhere online

Kadenze’s newest course, “Machine Learning for Musicians and Artists” opened earlier this week. This seven-session course explores machine learning concepts with an artistic twist. While many users may be familiar with machine learning as a tool for online marketing, data science, or even on entertainment streaming services such as Netflix, there is also a long history of artists using these concepts to create everything from video games to online “deep-dreaming” projects.

“My own research centers on using machine learning as a creative tool because it’s sort of different than using it to do other work,” says Rebecca Fiebrink (Faculty member, Goldsmiths University of London and instructor for “Machine Learning for Musicians and Artists”). “Most of the algorithms we’re talking about when we talk about machine learning weren’t designed for creativity. They were designed for data sets. Artists have a lot of data problems, sure, but most of these problems center around building things; creating things. And, yes, some creatives are going to be using machine learning like data scientists, but other people will be using it for things that are COMPLETELY different. [This class] is designed to help students discover what machine learning is good for in their own artistic practices.”

“Machine Learning for Musicians and Artists” is the first course of its kind to be offered in an online educational setting. A cursory search of online machine learning courses reveals an educational landscape that is geared heavily towards engineers and data scientists.

“Even for people with lots of coding experience, using machine learning for the arts creates a challenge, “ says Fiebrink. “When you sit down to make art, no matter what it is, you don’t know exactly what it is going to be. You might have a good idea, but you might also change your mind over time. In other metiers, there are correct answers (which machine learning can help you find), but with art, it’s all about exploring.”

Interested students can watch all “Machine learning for Musicians and Artists” lecture videos and participate in forum discussions free of charge. Students who are looking to submit creative projects and receive feedback on their work are encouraged to sign up for Kadenze Premium Membership (a $7/month subscription based service). Upon successful completion of this course, premium students will receive a verified Certificate of Accomplishment from Kadenze as proof of their efforts, listing the skills they have gained.

“Machine learning is without a doubt redefining how we solve problems in the world,” says Jordan Hochenbaum (VP of Engineering and Creative Director, Kadenze Inc.) “From day one of Kadenze, we knew how important it was for us to find the right course, that takes the technical and mathematical aspects of machine learning, and presents them in a practical and creative context. As the leading arts-focused online learning platform, we’re able to present this often challenging subject in a unique and engaging way that anyone can understand. So if you’ve been interested in machine learning but haven’t found a good entry point to the subject yet, or you’re looking to shore up on its foundations, you really don’t have to look any further. ”