Curious about the intersection of AI and creativity? In this episode of the Tech Guide podcast, host Ryan Atkinson welcomes Dr. Maya Ackerman, CEO of Wave AI and associate professor of computer science at Santa Clara University. Maya shares her journey of blending music and technology to create AI tools that support songwriters and musicians.

From the founding story of Wave AI to advice for undergraduates and aspiring entrepreneurs, Dr. Ackerman discusses the evolution of AI, the importance of trusting your intuition, and the ethical considerations shaping the industry. Whether you're curious about generative AI or looking to break into the tech world, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The founding story behind Wave AI and its mission to help creators write music
How generative AI has evolved over the past decade
Career advice for undergraduates looking to break into AI and tech
The future of AI in creative industries like music
Ethical considerations and how to approach AI development responsibly

Key Highlights:

[00:02:00] Maya's background and the origin of Wave AI
[01:41:00] Struggles with songwriting and the creation of Lyric Studio and Melody Studio
[03:31:00] The evolution of AI from the 1950s to today's generative models
[05:28:00] Opportunities in AI over the next 5-10 years
[07:25:00] Top industries benefiting from AI and creative applications
[11:11:00] Ethical considerations for AI and the importance of responsible development
[15:15:00] How undergraduates can start projects and gain hands-on AI experience
[19:24:00] Lessons learned from entrepreneurship and trusting your intuition
[27:13:00] One piece of advice for undergraduates pursuing AI careers

Resources Mentioned:

Wave AI: wave-ai.com
Lyric Studio and Melody Studio
Upcoming Book: Creative Machines by Dr. Maya Ackerman (Fall Release)

Connect with Dr. Maya Ackerman:

LinkedIn: Dr. Maya Ackerman
Website: wave-ai.com

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