Game Theory in Classical Music
https://interlude.hk/programming-game-nash-equilibrium-new-classical-music/
In this article, Wilson uses von Neumann’s MiniMax Theorem (which is similar to the Nash Equilibrium) to explain the difficulty that new contemporary composers experience when trying to break into the classical music scene. Contemporary classical music has a reputation for being atonal, rhythmically confusing, and for lack of a more fitting word, “weird.”
According to the MiniMax Theorem, in a zero-sum game a player will maximize his payoff by minimizing the other player’s payoff. If the payoff for the concert attendee is enjoyment and the payoff for the composer is revenue and recognition, then the concert attendee would choose something he is more familiar with (such as Bach or Beethoven) over the risk of having to sit through two hours of dissonance and a screech from the violins every fifth beat. With this mindset, few would ever choose to attend a contemporary concert, and the new composer will be the loser in this game.
The article goes on to explain some tactics that will make the payoff for going to a contemporary concert more appealing to concert goers, but the MiniMax Theorem can be seen at work at a larger scale in the music industry than just in the world of classical music.
Classical music as a whole has its own misconception: the misconception that it’s “boring.” If given the choice between buying Drake’s new album or a collection of Dvorak string quartets, Drake will usually win. As of 2018, hip-hop/rap made up 21% of music album consumption, versus classical music’s measly 1%. Classical music has a lower payoff (it is perceived as less enjoyable) than hip-hop/rap or pop music, at least in the eyes of the majority.
The MiniMax Theorem and Nash Equilibrium explains why some classical musicians may be trying to make classical music more appealing to the general public (such as Ray Chen, who is developing social media presence). Instead of seeing the outcome of this theorem as a disadvantage, they are using it to become more creative and increase the payoff of investing in classical music, thus reducing the “risk” that music listeners face. Hopefully, classical musicians will be able to advertise their concerts in a way that will make more listeners willing to give it a try.
Related past blog: https://blogs.cornell.edu/info2040/2018/09/18/can-game-theory-explain-the-competitiveness-in-the-music-industry/