Dr. Yannis Mygdanis
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Music Studies Pierce – The American College of Greece, Greece

Title: Applying artificial intelligence practices into music education: new challenges and new opportunities.

Abstract: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into music education has introduced a transformative paradigm, redefining traditional and conventional pedagogical approaches and expanding the potential for creative and individualized learning experiences. AI technologies are facilitating innovative composition, performance, and music analysis methods and strategies, transforming the ways we immerse in a musical praxis while introducing innovative approaches and offering unprecedented levels of personalization and adaptability to diverse learner needs. These advancements enable students to engage with music education in novel ways, fostering creativity, critical thinking, self-regulation, and collaboration in classrooms through AI-powered tools. However, incorporating AI also presents significant challenges, particularly regarding the ethical implications of Generative AI’s creativity, AI systems’ reliability and transparency, and educators’ shifting role in an increasingly automated learning environment. Additionally, the use of AI raises critical questions about the potential biases, as well as the risks of over-reliance on technology in teaching and learning processes. This exploration delves into AI’s opportunities to enhance music education while addressing the complex challenges that arise. By examining recent case studies and theoretical perspectives, emphasis is placed on how AI can augment pedagogical practices and inspire innovative teaching strategies. The discourse thus extends beyond technological capabilities to encompass broader discussions about the future of education, the preservation of artistic integrity, and the role of educators in guiding students through the increasingly digital landscape in the age of AI.

BIO: Dr. Yannis Mygdanis is a music educator, composer, and developer of digital educational tools. He currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Music Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). He earned his PhD focusing on educational software design and emerging technologies in music education. He holds four master’s degrees in Music Education, Information Systems, Advanced Teaching, as well as Educational Leadership and Management, and Emerging Technologies. He is an alumnus of the Department of Music Studies at NKUA and the Department of Informatics at the Athens University of Economics and Business. Regarding conservatoire education, he holds diplomas in piano, modern piano (LRSL), electronic organ (DipLCM), and music theory (AmusTCL). Completing his studies in advanced theoretical subjects, he received diplomas in Choir Conducting and Composition.

Dr. Mygdanis is focused on researching the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and digital media in music education. His innovative projects, such as Synth4kids, aim to leverage AI, augmented reality, and interactive tools to create progressive educational environments that transform traditional music pedagogy. He is particularly intrigued by how these technologies can broaden opportunities for musical exploration and foster computational thinking in young learners. By combining augmented reality, eye-tracking, and collaborative online tools, Mygdanis is reshaping conventional music instruction, offering students new and creative ways to express themselves musically and learn.

As a presenter, he has participated in over 40 international scientific conferences on music education and technology. More than 40 of his articles have been published in collective volumes, peer-reviewed scientific journals, and conference proceedings focusing on music, technology, and education. As a composer, he has created music for theater, short films, fairy tales, and children’s songs. He has released two musical albums and five digital singles featuring the works of Greek poets such as Cavafy, Ritsos, Karyotakis, and Polydouri, as well as foreign poets like Dickinson and Hikmet.

He currently holds the position of Vice President at the Greek Society for Music Education (GSME) and is a member of several scientific associations. Since September 2023, he has been serving as an adjunct lecturer in the postgraduate program (MA) for Music Education in Formal and Informal Settings at NKUA. Additionally, he teaches courses in STEAM education, digital media in music education, and the design and development of educational software at the Music Studies Department at NKUA. He also works as a trainer at the Lifelong Learning Center of the Ionian University and NKUA, and as a music educator at Pierce – The American College of Greece.