AI in Music - In Tune or Out of Sync?: A Qualitative Thesis Exploring What Factors may Influence the Process of Technology Acceptance and Usage Behavior of AI in the Creative Music Practices of Professional Musicians

Sammanfattning

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a rapidly advancing technology in various sectors, including the music sector, and the usage of assisting and generative AI tools in music practices has led to extensive media debate. The potential benefits and consequences of AI music technologies could impact musicians' perceptions and usage behaviors of AI. Given the scarceness of literature covering this topic, the purpose of this thesis is to investigate what factors may influence musicians' "technology acceptance" and usage behaviors of AI in their creative music practices, i.e. what factors may influence the determinants within "the technology acceptance process"; perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intention to use, and usage behavior. Using a qualitative method, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with professional musicians - holding expertise in a variety of music areas. A thematic analysis was used for examining the empirical data, which revealed three new antecedents that may influence musicians' acceptance (process) of AI; collaborative potential with AI, social influence, and technological self-efficacy. Additionally, key findings introduced three novel determinants (with two antecedents each) that may significantly influence musicians' acceptance (process) of AI; artistic values, socio-emotional needs, and uncertainty.