Solo
One performer with the full live system.
TechTet
TechTet is a play on traditional jazz ensemble names — quartet, quintet, and so on. The roots are in jazz: improvisation, live interaction between musicians, strong harmonic character. But the music isn't a single genre.
The performance technology is intelligent, integrating custom-built AI algorithms in service of live music. And contrary to current trends in AI, the technology is intentionally designed for lifting up humans, not replacing them. Building the system was one challenge; integrating it seamlessly into compelling live performance was the harder one.
Organum Engine Overview
Design philosophy and live performance excerpts.
Performance Formats
TechTet has been performed in three configurations to date.
Trio
Trumpet, bass, and drums with live system integration. The configuration of most live performances to date.
5-piece Ensemble
The format for Hymnus — trumpet, second horn, piano or guitar, bass, and drums.
Hymnus
Hymnus is a 45-minute composition for 5-piece ensemble — trumpet, second horn, piano or guitar, bass, and drums — featuring the Organum Engine.
- Core material: through-composed ensemble writing with structured improvisational sections.
- Additional repertoire: standards and open improvisation with live system integration.
TechTet Hymnus, The Medium, Fayetteville — April 2024.
Coverage
KUAF (NPR affiliate), Ozarks at Large: UofA Honors College hosts concert with musicians collaborating with AI
"This is the idea of automating creativity as dependent upon human input and human creativity specifically."
University of Arkansas News: Honors College house concert blends live music with AI innovation
"The heart of this performance is live music — live musicians, live sound."
Recognition
- April 2024: Grant awarded from Create Exchange Fund by CACHE.
Selected Collaboration
UNCANNI: Creative Acts of Neo-Intelligence at The Momentary, using this performance system in a contemporary arts context.
System Overview
Each component is anchored to a core element of music — harmony, rhythm, and their interaction — so the technology feels part of the music rather than layered on top of it.
- Organum Engine: listens to live acoustic input and generates polyphonic harmonies in real time.
- Beat-Landscape Delay: builds rhythmic environments that respond to the improvisation as it develops, with spatial sound deployment.
- Deployment: runs locally with low latency, stereo by default, expandable as needed.
Solo System Performance
TechTet performed as a solo system, accompanying traveling artwork at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Materials
For technical and production materials, use the presenter page.