Meet Viola the Bird: a new experiment inspired by the cello
David Li collaborated with cellists and violinists Ashok Klouda, Dave Larkin, Elizabeth Goble, Peter Wilson, Zhivko Georgiev, and music arrangers Charles Mauleverer and Martin Batchelar to develop the experiment by training a neural network — a machine learning model that can be trained on data — to understand cello and violin compositions. The neural network was then applied to create a real-time audio synthesis engine that can generate the sounds of a cello or violin based on the player’s input.
The result is an interactive music experiment that is both fun and educational. Viola the Bird is a great way for anyone to learn about string instruments and to explore their own creativity through music.
As an entry point to the string family, you can also dive into exhibits on the cello and violin on Google Arts & Culture and explore music & instruments from around the world in our dedicated music learning hub.
Ready to take a “bow”? Try out Viola the Bird now on Google Arts & Culture.