Toward a Unified Framework of Music as an Adaptive System: Structure, Perception, and Interaction

This paper develops a unified framework for understanding music as an adaptive system shaped by the continuous interaction of structure, perception, and listener engagement. Moving beyond traditional distinctions between composition and reception, the study integrates system-based approaches to music with a focus on dynamic interaction. Building on previous work that conceptualizes music as an emergent system (Serez, 2026a) and extends the role of the listener as an active participant (Serez, 2026b), this research proposes a comprehensive model that accounts for both structural design and experiential interpretation. By combining insights from music theory, cognitive perception, and interdisciplinary research, the framework positions music as a continuously evolving process rather than a fixed artifact. The model offers a flexible analytical tool applicable across genres and cultural contexts, particularly in contemporary environments where interaction and audience participation are central.