OpenAI’s new artificial intelligence model designed to generate music from text or audio prompts is intensifying a growing debate within the music industry over copyright and artist compensation, even as the company recruits students from the prestigious Juilliard School for its development.
The initiative positions OpenAI directly against emerging startups like Suno and Udio, both of which are currently facing lawsuits from major record labels and rights holders over alleged copyright infringements related to their AI training data. The involvement of Juilliard suggests a focus on compositional quality and traditional musical notation, potentially setting a distinct approach for OpenAI.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously suggested that rights holders should eventually share in the revenues generated by such AI technologies. However, the company has not yet provided details on how such a compensation mechanism would be implemented for its music AI project.
According to a report by The Decoder on October 25, 2025, Juilliard students are preparing musical scores and instrumental tracks to aid in the model’s training. The stated goal is to produce specific musical elements, such as a guitar track to accompany a song.
The company is already exploring potential commercial applications for the technology, including the creation of custom music for advertising campaigns. These commercial possibilities amplify questions about intellectual property rights and monetization in the creative sector.
OpenAI has not released any specifics regarding the model’s architecture, technical methods, public demonstrations, or a timeline for its official launch. The current discretion is typical for advanced research projects but fuels market speculation.
This new venture marks OpenAI’s return to AI music generation after its earlier experiment, “Jukebox,” in 2020, which did not lead to widespread commercialization. The current project appears to be a more ambitious re-entry into the field.
The broader implications for established production studios, music libraries, and independent creators are significant, with the potential for highly personalized and low-cost music production. Transparency concerning training data, licensing agreements, and fair compensation models will be crucial as OpenAI navigates this sensitive industry landscape.