Workshop: Thinking in Music — An AI Jam at the Library

Sunday, 12/14/2025
2:00 - 4:00
Computer Training Center - 5th Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Discover what happens when a whistle, a rubber chicken, and a violin collide with artificial intelligence in this interactive music and technology workshop led by conductor and technologist Paul Henry Smith. Participants whistle, clap, and experiment with sound as AI tools transform these contributions into Broadway-style riffs, orchestral scherzos, and unexpected sonic landscapes, culminating in a mini-concert built from the day’s creations. No musical training is required—everyone can participate.

For everyone ages 6 and older. Youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Space limited. Seats available first come, first served.

Paul Henry Smith is a conductor, product designer, and technologist whose work bridges classical music and artificial intelligence. He founded the Fauxharmonic Orchestra, the first digital orchestra to perform a full Beethoven symphony live in concert, and created Cadenza, an AI-powered accompaniment app recognized by Apple as “Best New App.” A former MIT Media Lab researcher, Smith has worked on AI product design at Amazon and Tanium, and now leads Symphonic Laboratory, a series of workshops and performances that bring people and AI together through music.

Dance & Music

Enjoy performances, talks and workshops that celebrate movement and the musical arts.

One City One Book

Events and workshops curated around SFPL’s One City One Book selection. One City One Book: San Francisco Reads is a citywide literary event that encourages members of the San Francisco community to read the same book at the same time. For more information, see sfpl.org/onecityonebook.

Audio & Video Production

Build technology skills to create compelling content. 

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.