Research Shorts: Generative AI in school music education

This week, I’ve been talking to Dr Lee Cheng, Associate Prof at Anglia Ruskin University, about his recent research on the role of Generative AI in music education in schools. This is a pressing issue for many in education, as we try and grapple with what this might mean for our students, assessments and in wider questions of creativity.  

Lee’s recent article in Arts Education Policy Review considers the ‘benefits and risks of integrating generative AI into the music curriculum and classroom teaching and learning, providing recommendations for a more responsible and effective use in formal music education.’   

In the article, Lee recommends four key things:

‘(1) enhancing AI literacy among students and teachers, (2) developing assessment frameworks that reflect the collaborative nature of AI-assisted music creation, (3) defining acceptable boundaries in terms of ensuring equitable access to AI tools, and (4) providing professional development opportunities for music teachers.’ 

The article also lays out the ways in which GenAI might be used to support education and the processes of music-making, addressing concerns over exclusionary practices and copyright issues. Lee says in the article that he is ‘at pains to point out that the integration of generative AI should not be viewed as a threat but an open-ended opportunity for music education.’ 

He explained he hopes that ‘The insights gained from this paper can benefit policymakers and curriculum designers in making decisions informing the appropriate use of generative AI in school music education and creative arts subjects more broadly. Universities offering Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses can also draw on these insights to better incorporate training content on pedagogical approaches to using generative AI in music teaching.’  

I asked Lee about his research more generally:

‘Other than music, technology, and education, my research interests also include games (yes, that kind of video games that our kids play). I am also a composer and software developer, who make serious games and music apps.’

He also told me that he’s ‘planning to write a book about responsible AI in music education too – stay tuned!’ 

Read More 

• Open Access article Cheng, Lee. 2025. “The Impact of Generative AI on School Music Education: Challenges and Recommendations.” Arts Education Policy Review, January, 1–8. doi:10.1080/10632913.2025.2451373. 
• Cheng, L. (2024). The use of digital technology in school music education: Artificial intelligence and emerging practices. In J. L. Arostegui, C. Christophersen, J. Nichols, & K. Matsunobu (Eds.), The Sage handbook of school music education. Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529674842.n29 
• Learn more about Dr Cheng: ARU Staff page 

Interview by Dr Sarah K. Whitfield – Research Manager at Music Mark