From Qubits to Rhythm: Exploring Quantum Random Walks in Rhythmspaces

Abstract

A quantum computing algorithm for rhythm generation is presented, which aims to expand and explore quantum computing applications in the arts, particularly in music. The algorithm maps quantum random walk trajectories onto a rhythmspace -- a 2D interface that interpolates rhythmic patterns. The methodology consists of three stages. The first stage involves designing quantum computing algorithms and establishing a mapping between the qubit space and the rhythmspace. To minimize circuit depth, a decomposition of a 2D quantum random walk into two 1D quantum random walks is applied. The second stage focuses on biasing the directionality of quantum random walks by introducing classical potential fields, adjusting the probability distribution of the wave function based on the position gradient within these fields. Four potential fields are implemented: a null potential, a linear field, a Gaussian potential, and a Gaussian potential under inertial dynamics. The third stage addresses the sonification of these paths by generating MIDI drum pattern messages and transmitting them to a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This work builds upon existing literature that applies quantum computing to simpler qubit spaces with a few positions, extending the formalism to a 2D x-y plane. It serves as a proof of concept for scalable quantum computing-based generative random walk algorithms in music and audio applications. Furthermore, the approach is applicable to generic multidimensional sound spaces, as the algorithms are not strictly constrained to rhythm generation and can be adapted to different musical structures.