Publication
Souma, S. (2022). “Exploring the Application of Gate-Type Quantum Computational Algorithm for Music Creation and Performance.” In E. R. Miranda (ed.), Quantum Computer Music, Springer.
Author's accepted manuscript (PDF) ↗
Published book chapter (DOI) ↗
The linked manuscript is the post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version.
Overview of the chapter
The chapter develops principles for connecting quantum-gate operations, qubits and musical events. It separates two routes: interpreting the simulated quantum state directly as continuous musical parameters, and interpreting the discrete results of quantum measurement as musical choices. The first route motivates quantum live coding; the second supports probabilistic note generation, chord-based models, quantum phrase modulation and quantum-game-based interaction.
Wavefunction-based approach
In this approach, changes in a simulated qubit wavefunction are mapped continuously to musical expression as quantum gates act on the state. It depends on knowledge of the full wavefunction, so the reported implementation uses simulation rather than claiming direct access to that information on quantum hardware. The chapter discusses both the basic principle and an example of music generation through live coding.
Measurement-based approach
Here the musical output is derived from the outcomes of measurements performed on quantum circuits. This makes the conceptual approach compatible with measurement data from quantum processors. The chapter develops a stochastic note-generation model and a family of digital note-expression models: diatonic chord generation, phase-modulated music generation, and a two-player quantum-game-theoretical model.
Two research approaches
The chapter distinguishes two approaches to connecting quantum-gate computation with music.
Wavefunction-based: uses the simulated quantum state directly for musical expression and quantum live coding.
Measurement-based: uses quantum-circuit measurement outcomes to generate musical events, including stochastic notes, chord-based schemes, phase modulation, and quantum-game-theoretic models.