Is ChatGPT the new Google? Suggestions for Integrating AI in Piano Pedagogy

"Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are rapidly accelerating advancements across a wide range of industries—from healthcare and transportation to media, sports, and beyond. These technologies have the potential to improve quality of life, reduce human error in critical fields, and enhance overall efficiency. In education, AI’s transformative power is becoming increasingly evident, offering avenues to personalize learning, broaden creative opportunities, and increase student engagement. Yet, in piano pedagogy, many educators remain wary. Concerns over academic integrity, a perceived lack of human connection, and worries that AI tools might replace traditional teaching methods often overshadow the real benefits these technologies can offer. For today’s students, who rely on ChatGPT as readily as earlier generations relied on Google, ignoring the impact of AI in the classroom distances educators from their learners’ experiences. The rapid evolution of generative AI tools means that students can now seamlessly integrate them into their work, from brainstorming ideas and refining assignments to exploring diverse topics for study. Meanwhile, new platforms, such as Phraserly AI, claim to “humanize” the language generated by ChatGPT, making it harder than ever to distinguish between student-produced work and AI output. This landscape can feel intimidating, yet it also presents opportunities to guide students toward responsible, productive engagement with these tools. This session offers a comprehensive framework for thoughtfully integrating AI into piano pedagogy courses and considers how to preserve the essential elements of traditional piano teaching in tandem with the efficiency and creativity AI affords. By embracing AI responsibly, educators can help students develop critical digital literacy skills that will be invaluable in an AI-driven workforce. Moreover, by demystifying AI tools, educators can nurture a safe, informed environment that addresses concerns about accuracy, bias, and ethical use. Historical Context and Technological Parallels: to reduce anxiety and build understanding, we will compare today’s AI tools to earlier technological shifts in music and education—such as the printing press, recorded media, metronomes, and online databases—that were initially met with skepticism but ultimately enhanced artistry and accessibility. Practical Prompt Writing: the power of ChatGPT lies in the quality of the prompts provided. This session will demonstrate how carefully crafted prompts can guide the tool to suggest research and writing ideas, summarize findings, and generate administrative materials like syllabi, schedules, or assignment rubrics. Ethical Considerations, Accuracy, and Bias: AI is not infallible. It may produce inaccuracies or reflect biases present in its training data. We will discuss strategies for verifying information gleaned from ChatGPT, cross-referencing sources, and encouraging students to critically evaluate AI-generated content. This includes helping students articulate their intended AI usage, fostering transparency, and embedding lessons on digital literacy and academic integrity in the curriculum. From Traditional to Multimodal Teaching: AI tools can transform conventional assignments—such as reading reflections, lecture notes, and workshops—into new formats like podcasts, blog posts, and video scripts, expanding how students engage with material and re-deliver that material to diversify their portfolios. Reevaluating Assessment Models: Educators must consider how best to assess students in an AI-rich environment. This could involve shifting toward project-based learning, oral presentations, or reflective portfolios that emphasize critical thinking and originality. This session aims to equip instructors with the knowledge, confidence, and ethical frameworks needed to integrate AI into piano pedagogy."