82. Why Choral Music Needs to Pay Attention to AI

What happens when a grieving person finds comfort in a song — and then discovers it was made by AI? That question is the heart of this episode, and it captures everything that matters about the moment we're in as choral musicians.This episode is a deep dive into AI: what it actually is, how we got here, and why Beth believes it represents one of the greatest opportunities choral music has had in a very long time — but only if we're paying attention.In this episode:A brief history of technology and choral music, from the printing press and the Petrucci Collection (1501) to the phonograph, the internet, and social media — and what each shift tells us about where we are nowThe four phases of AI: Classical AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Agentic AI — explained with musical analogiesWhy choral music has historically been a late adopter of technology, and why this time we can choose to do it differentlyThe Industrial Revolution parallel: how a shift in human labor created the conditions for a rise in choral societies — and why agentic AI may do the same thingWhy choral musicians are in the business of unrepeatable human moments — and why that business has never had a bigger marketComing up next: Beth gets practical with 5 specific ways you can start using AI in your choral work right now — with examples and prompts.Interested in going deeper? Beth is putting together a short masterclass: From Basics to Breakthroughs: AI for Choral Artists — covering foundations, practical applications, ethics, and advanced implications for your work and community. 👉 Link Here.Podcast LinksFollow @ChoirBaton onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | FacebookVisit ChoirBaton.comFollow @BethPhilemon onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInVisit BethPhilemon.comMusic by: Scott HolmesChoir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerMusic by: Scott HolmesFollow @ChoirBaton onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | FacebookVisit ChoirBaton.comFollow @BethPhilemon onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInVisit BethPhilemon.com