Artificial Intelligence and Indian Music Education: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an important part of education across the world. In the field of Indian music education, AI is being used through mobile applications, online learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and music analysis software. These technologies help students learn musical concepts, improve pitch accuracy, understand rhythm, and practice independently. However, Indian classical music is traditionally taught through the Guru–Shishya Parampara, which emphasizes personal guidance, emotional connection, creativity, and cultural values. This creates both opportunities and challenges for the integration of AI into music education. This study aims to examine the role of Artificial Intelligence in Indian music education, identify its major opportunities and challenges, and explore how AI can support traditional teaching methods without replacing the role of the teacher. The study uses a qualitative research approach based on a review of books, journal articles, conference papers, and reliable online sources related to Artificial Intelligence, music education, and Indian classical music. The collected information was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key trends and issues. The findings show that AI provides many educational benefits, including personalized learning, instant feedback on pitch and rhythm, flexible online learning, improved access to educational resources, and better practice opportunities. At the same time, challenges include limited emotional understanding, reduced teacher–student interaction, concerns about preserving the Guru–Shishya Parampara, ethical issues, data privacy, and unequal access to digital technology. Artificial Intelligence has great potential to improve Indian music education when used as a supportive educational tool. It should complement, rather than replace, the guidance, experience, and cultural values provided by the guru. A balanced integration of AI and traditional teaching methods can strengthen music education while preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical music.