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Chapter 6
Live Algorithms: Towards Autonomous
Computer Improvisers
Tim Blackwell, Oliver Bown, and Michael Young
Abstract
A Live Algorithm is an autonomous machine that interacts with musi-
cians in an improvised setting. This chapter outlines perspectives on Live Algorithm
research, offering a high level view for the general reader, as well as more detailed
and specialist analysis. The study of Live Algorithms is multi-disciplinary in nature,
requiring insights from (at least) Music Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cogni-
tive Science, Musicology and Performance Studies. Some of the most important
issues from these fields are considered. A modular decomposition and an associated
set of wiring diagrams is offered as a practical and conceptual tool. Technical, be-
havioural, social and cultural contexts are considered, and some signposts for future
Live Algorithm research are suggested.
6.1 Introduction
A Live Algorithm is an autonomous music system capable of human-compatible
performance (Blackwell
2007
, Blackwell and Young
2005
). The context is impro-
vised music; the Live Algorithm listens, reflects, selects, imagines and articulates its
musical thoughts as sound in a continuous process. Or at least that is the dream of
researchers working in this field. In practice, of course, the algorithm merely com-
putes; an incoming stream of sampled sound acts as real-time input to a fixed and
