Today's Edition
SHAMA AHMAD (ABU DHABI)
From afar you may think of an ordinary teenager immersed in playing the piano. However, a closer look reveals a symphony of other instruments permeating the air as the digital screens next to him lighten up with animations of sound notes and other visual effects. Here he is, Rashed Al Marzooqi, 13, the first and the young Emirati who merges his music with artificial intelligence (AI), creating a virtual ensemble.
Al Marzooqi found his calling in music at the age of six, when his father discovered his love of the piano. “My parents were the first to discover this talent in me. They composed several pieces for me and encouraged me to pursue my interest in this instrument by playing calm and beautiful compositions,” Al Marzooqi said.
Nominated by an international firm, Al Marzooqi took part in the Dubai Artificial Intelligence Summit, where it witnessed a first of its kind experience in AI-enhanced music.
“I am proud to be the first and youngest Emirati to play the piano using AI technology.
This technology reads my playing and emotions, taking into account my feeling and style,” he said. Al Marzooqi noted that the AI technology measures the tempo and then incorporates the sound of accompanying instruments that complement the piece he is playing.
“This method enhances the beauty of the music I perform, as if I am playing with an orchestra,” he added.
Musical Laurels
Al Marzooqi has his fair share of musical achievements too at this young age. He won the Best Piano Player award at the Dubai Music and Youth Festival in its second edition in 2023.
Now he is aspiring to polish his skills to play the piano at different scales, especially the Gulf compositions without additional instruments.
“I strive, in coordination with the creators of these technologies, to include instruments from the Gulf, and other regions, that are difficult for a solo piano rendition, to the list of AI-enhanced musical tools,” Al Marzooqi said.
In the beginning it was a challenge for Al Marzooqi as AI could not recognise the compositions he wanted to play, and it lacked the feel he wanted to bring out.
“It was difficult for me to adapt to this technology, and after many attempts, I managed to understand how to make this technology read the emotion and type of composition, and adapt accordingly,” he said.
“And from here, I launch the performance I want, and then beautiful instruments enter as if I were with an orchestra. In fact, it is a beautiful feeling that cannot be described,” the young musician said.
Al Marzooqi is keen on continuing his musical journey and taking his love for the keyboard to the next level. “My goal is to develop my talent and present something new in the piano world with the help of AI, distinguishing myself locally and globally, and proudly raising the flag of my country.”
