Chinese folk music composition based on genetic algorithm

The genetic algorithm (GA) uses techniques inspired by evolutionary biology such as inheritance, mutation, selection, and crossover. Due to its ability to find approximate solutions of hard optimization, the GA is suited for applications in various domains. The GA-based composition system, which uses genetic algorithm to evolve music materials, has become a hot spot in the algorithmic composition. This paper discusses Chinese folk composition based on GA. A structure of GA-based Chinese folk composition system is presented. Evolutionary melody operators for Chinese folk music are proposed and the fitness functions are discussed in detail. Experimental results show that the model based on GA is feasible and effective in the process of Chinese folk music composition.