2015 Theses Doctoral

Optimizing Future Perfect: A Model for Composition with Genetic Algorithms

Holbrook, Geoffrey John

This paper describes the development of OM-Darwin, a generalized system for composing with genetic algorithms (GA), realized as a library for OpenMusic. It provides a simple GA engine, along with sophisticated devices for genotype encoding, phenotype mapping and modular fitness function design, while offering a collection of objects that represent common musical forms and rules. A comparison with other optimization methods reveals some advantages in the GA approach, in particular the capability of defining frequency-based rules and producing partial solutions to difficult musical problems. Reference is made to the author's Future Perfect (2010) for 13 instruments, composed entirely using OM-Darwin.