Jazz and Western classical music—once celebrated for their intricate compositions and harmonic depth—have grown simpler over time, according to a groundbreaking mathematical analysis published in Scientific Reports. The study, led by Niccolò Di Marco, a computational social scientist at the University of Tuscia in Viterbo, Italy, examined 21,480 musical works across six genres: classical, electronic, hip-hop, jazz, pop, and rock. Using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data, researchers mapped the relationships between notes, harmonies, and structural patterns to quantify complexity.

The findings challenge long-held assumptions about musical evolution. While genres like pop, electronic, and rock consistently exhibit uniform, repetitive patterns, jazz and classical music—once defined by their intricate, varied structures—now show a marked trend toward simplification, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century. This shift raises critical questions: Is this a natural progression of artistic trends, or does it reflect broader cultural or technological influences? And what does it mean for the future of creative expression?

Why does this matter? For decades, jazz and classical music were pioneers of experimental composition, pushing boundaries in harmony, rhythm, and form. Yet today, their structural complexity increasingly resembles that of mainstream genres. The study suggests this convergence may stem from digital technologies, which have democratized access to recorded music, allowing artists to draw from a vast, standardized pool of influences. As Di Marco notes, “We are observing an evolution in music”—one that may prioritize accessibility over innovation.

The Science Behind the Simplification

The study’s methodology hinged on network analysis, a technique that treats musical compositions as interconnected systems of notes and chords. By converting MIDI files into numerical datasets, researchers could quantify how often specific notes followed others, how repetitive harmonies were, and how varied the overall structure was. The results were striking:

• Early 20th-century jazz and classical works displayed high structural diversity, with complex relationships between intervals and chords.
• Post-1950 compositions showed a gradual decline in complexity, with harmonies and melodies becoming more predictable and repetitive—closely mirroring the patterns found in pop and rock.
• Digital-era music (1990–present) exhibited the most uniform structures, suggesting that algorithmic tools and streaming platforms may further standardize creative output.

Di Marco’s team hypothesized that this trend could be linked to cognitive load theory: as music becomes more accessible through digital platforms, listeners may subconsciously prefer simpler, more immediately gratifying structures. “The rise of streaming services has made it easier than ever to discover and imitate popular styles,” Di Marco explained. “This can lead to a homogenization of creative output, even in genres traditionally associated with innovation.”

Cultural and Technological Drivers

While the study focuses on mathematical patterns, cultural historians and musicologists point to several key factors behind this shift:

• Digital democratization: The internet and streaming services have broken down barriers between genres, allowing jazz and classical artists to draw from pop and rock influences—and vice versa. Platforms like Spotify and YouTube expose creators to vast libraries of music, often prioritizing algorithmic familiarity over experimental risk.
• Algorithm-driven composition: Tools like DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and AI-assisted music generation (e.g., Amper Music, Soundraw) encourage repetitive structures, as they rely on pre-existing templates for harmony and rhythm.
• Listener preferences: Research in Psychology of Music suggests that modern audiences often favor songs with predictable chord progressions and repetitive hooks, which align with the brain’s reward systems for pattern recognition.

Yet not all experts agree on the implications. Some argue that simplification doesn’t equate to a loss of creativity—it may instead reflect a new form of innovation. “Jazz in the 1920s was complex by today’s standards, but it was also a response to its time,” said Dr. Evelyn Harris, a musicologist at Oxford University. “What we’re seeing now might be a different kind of evolution—one where accessibility and emotional immediacy take precedence over technical virtuosity.”

What In other words for the Future of Music

The study’s findings prompt deeper questions about the relationship between technology, art, and human creativity. If jazz and classical music continue to simplify, will they risk losing their distinct identities? Or will they adapt, blending traditional elements with modern accessibility?

One potential outcome is the rise of hybrid genres, where classical and jazz artists incorporate pop structures while retaining their core aesthetic. For example:

• Classical-crossover: Composers like Max Richter and Ólafur Arnalds have already blended orchestral arrangements with electronic beats, appealing to both traditional and contemporary audiences.
• Jazz-infused pop: Artists such as Kamasi Washington and Anderson .Paak fuse jazz improvisation with hip-hop and R&B, creating a new sonic language.

the study underscores the role of education and preservation. As younger generations grow up with algorithmically curated playlists, will future musicians have the tools—and the inclination—to explore complex structures? Institutions like Berklee College of Music and Juilliard are already adapting their curricula to address this challenge, offering courses in music technology alongside traditional theory.

Key Takeaways

• Mathematical evidence: Jazz and classical music have become structurally simpler over time, converging with pop and rock in terms of harmonic and melodic patterns.
• Digital influence: Streaming platforms and AI tools may accelerate this trend by prioritizing accessible, repetitive structures.
• Cultural shift: The study reflects broader changes in how music is consumed, created, and valued in the digital age.
• Future possibilities: Hybrid genres and adaptive education could help preserve complexity while embracing modern trends.

What Happens Next?

The conversation around musical complexity is far from over. Di Marco’s team plans to expand their research to include global music traditions, examining whether similar trends exist in non-Western genres. Meanwhile, musicologists and technologists are debating whether simplification is an inevitable consequence of progress—or an opportunity for reinvention.

For now, one thing is clear: the evolution of music is not just an artistic trend, but a reflection of how technology and culture shape creativity itself.

What do you think? Is simplicity the price of accessibility, or is there still room for complexity in modern music? Share your thoughts in the comments below—or tag us on X with your favorite complex compositions.