Execution

*14 Mar. 2013 - First patent filed (granted 27 Oct. 2015; since then more than 7 patents have been granted, and at least 30 patents have been filed); *Mar. 2013 to Dec. 2017 - Invention of core tech. platform; *11 to 14 Mar. 2018 - Exhibition at SXSW2018; *25 Apr. to 22 May. 2018 - Exhibition at Yamaha Ginza Building

The Campaign

Our idea is to make the piano intelligent and make it the best partner who understands what and how a player wishes to play, instead of being just a mere instrument. We thought AI had the power to realize this.

Creative Execution

We invented an “AI Music Ensemble System" which analyzes a player’s playing style and predicts instantly and continuously the best way to accompany the player. The AI-piano enables you to feel like a skillful player. Our AI Music Ensemble System makes you feel as you are playing with a skillful accompanist by inputting notes to the self-playing piano in real-time. Integrating the technique of following score and tempo, the technique of analyzing the cooperation between the piano and the player and the technique of analyzing nuances of the player's musical expression realizes tailor-made accompaniment. Furthermore, what we mostly focused on to design YOO's installation was to let it have the larger pretense than itself which cannot be seen in order to make it more decent.

We launched this project for beginner players but are thinking it would inspire more and more people to notice how fun music is as a bridge between people and musical instruments. For example, there are people who cannot play where and when they want to, although playing together with other people is one of the most joyful part of music. Our AI may enable people to have the pleasure of ensemble wherever and whenever they want to. We are picturing the future of this project to connect not only piano but also any musical instruments and people to expand the possibility of musical expression.

Playing the piano is rewarding, but the path to acquiring sufficient skills for self-expression can be lonely and arduous. How can we have more beginner pianists enjoy playing the piano? Our answer to the question is to let beginners play a song to the end with continuing joy. Making it possible to play without any skills or practice would give that opportunity to everyone, and it would be a new type of music. This is exactly what we believe to be innovative.