Nolan Gasser | Keynote Speaker on AI, Human Creativity & The Future of Taste
Nolan’s Keynote Speaker Reel
AI & The Future of Taste.
Nolan Gasser is an AI keynote speaker, a music-tech pioneer and global thought leader who unlocks the power of data, AI, and human taste to transform creativity and innovation. As the architect of Pandora’s Music Genome Project, he lived through the last major digital revolution — and now advises Meta, YouTube, and Google on the next one. Drawing from decades at the forefront of algorithmic technology, generative AI, and genomic data, he shows organizations what really happens when disruptive technology reshapes an industry, and why the core of human creativity remains untouchable.
✅ Leading authority on AI, Music AI, and Genomic Data; consultant to Meta, Google, and architect of Pandora’s Music Genome Project.
✅ The world’s preeminent expert on taste, blending science, psychology, and master-level musicianship.
✅ Ranked among the top five all-time speakers by the Pebble Beach Authors & Ideas Festival.
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Testimonials
“Nolan is an extraordinary speaker with an incredibly likable and genuine stage presence. His unmatched scientific mind, combined with his ability to captivate an audience, creates a fun and engaging experience that rivals the world’s best speakers. Over the last 19 years, our event has hosted over 375 speakers and performers. Our top five are Condoleezza Rice, Sandra Day O'Connor, David Brooks, Dave Barry, and Nolan Gasser!” – Jim McGillen, Pebble Beach Artists & Ideas Festival
“Nolan’s keynote was a home run! We had a packed house and everyone was both educated and entertained. I’ve never had more attendees come up to me afterward and say how much they enjoyed a lecture. He delivered a complicated subject matter—the science of our musical tastes—in an accessible and entertaining style. His mix of visual graphics, humor, and his exceptional skills as a pianist left the audience enthralled." – Linda Hall Library (Kansas City), Modern Inventions Lecture Series
“Nolan presented a marvelous overview of the science and sources behind why we're attracted to some pieces of music and not others. He is a generous and thoughtful guide, and a leading musical thinker of our day." – Daniel Levitan, Author "This is Your Brain on Music"
Keynote Topics
Topic 1: The Aesthetic Paradox
What is AI doing to human creativity? Will the future still need musicians, artists, and poets?
The AI revolution has thrown into flux ancient questions about individual creativity and ownership, with dramatic implications for the art and media industries as well as individual creators. In this provocative keynote, Dr. Gasser unwinds the impact of AI on media, music, and art - both positive and negative - and how today’s artists and consumers are responding.
Through his cutting-edge work with Google DeepMind, Meta, and his own company, Katch, Dr. Gasser brings a uniquely accessible perspective to this complex and urgent intersection of technology, creativity, and ethics. Audiences will leave with a deeper understanding of where AI is leading us - and how human creativity can thrive in an AI-powered world.
Key Takeaways:
Explore how AI is transforming art, media, and creativity.
Understand the ethical and legal questions surrounding AI-generated content.
Discover how creators and consumers are adapting to new realities.
Gain insider insights from Dr. Gasser’s work with top AI companies.
Learn how human creativity can continue to thrive alongside AI.
Topic 2: The Sources & Blessings of Our Musical Taste
A mind-expanding journey into the science of musical preference, based on Dr. Gasser’s acclaimed book and PBS series Why You Like It.
Why do we love the music we love? What do our favorite songs reveal about us? In this mind-expanding keynote, Dr. Gasser takes audiences on a fascinating journey into the science of musical preference - blending psychology, culture, neuroscience, and live piano performance.
Based on his acclaimed book and PBS series Why You Like It, Dr. Gasser shares groundbreaking insights into the universal human love for music and how it shapes our emotions, identities, and well-being. Audiences will experience music in a whole new way - and leave inspired by the profound power of sound.
Key Takeaways:
Discover the hidden science behind why we love certain songs.
Learn how psychology, culture, and neuroscience shape our musical tastes.
Experience live musical demonstrations that bring the science to life.
Understand how music can enhance happiness, health, and emotional well-being.
Gain new appreciation for the universal language of music.
Topic 3: The Sound of High Performance: Using Music to Supercharge Creativity and Focus
How music can unlock creativity, sharpen focus, and boost productivity in today’s fast-paced work environment.
Stressed, overwhelmed, uninspired - today’s workforce faces endless distractions and pressures that can drain creativity and performance. But there’s an ancient and powerful remedy: music.
In this energizing keynote, Dr. Gasser reveals how music can be a science-backed tool for unlocking flow, enhancing emotional well-being, and building high-performing teams. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world examples, he equips leaders and teams with actionable strategies to use music as a secret weapon for creativity and productivity.
Key Takeaways:
Understand how music influences the brain and enhances focus.
Discover how to use music strategically to reduce stress and boost performance.
Learn science-backed techniques for integrating music into work and team culture.
Explore real-world examples of music transforming individual and team creativity.
Gain actionable tools for building high-performance environments through sound
FAQs
How long is Nolan’s keynote?
Most keynotes run 45–60 minutes. Nolan can also extend or condense his talk based on your agenda, including Q&A or interactive musical demonstrations.
Does Nolan customize his keynote for our event?
Yes. Every keynote is tailored to your audience, industry, and event theme. Nolan integrates relevant examples from technology, AI, creativity, and human taste tailored to your attendees.
What types of events does Nolan speak at?
Leadership summits, corporate conferences, innovation gatherings, university programs, and industry events focused on AI, creativity, media, or the future of work.
Can Nolan present internationally?
Yes. Nolan speaks worldwide and is available for in-person and virtual events.
What makes Nolan different from other AI speakers?
He brings a rare blend of scientific expertise, artistic mastery, and real-world experience creating the Music Genome Project and advising Meta, Google, and YouTube on human preference and generative AI.
Does Nolan perform music during the keynote?
If the event setup allows, Nolan incorporates live piano demonstrations to illustrate concepts like taste, creativity, and emotional engagement.
Can Nolan join a panel or do a fireside chat?
Yes. He often participates in multi-format events, including panels, interviews, and breakout sessions.
What technical setup does Nolan require?
Standard audio/visual setup: projector or LED wall, HDMI, sound reinforcement, and a microphone. For performances: keyboard or piano if available, otherwise Nolan can arrange alternatives.
How far in advance should we book?
Most clients book 2–6 months in advance. For urgent dates, Nolan’s team responds within 24 hours with availability.
What are Nolan’s speaking fees?
Fees vary by event type, location, and format. Use the form below to request availability and receive a customized quote.