Nolan Gasser on stage
Now Booking 2026–2027

AI & The
Future of
Taste.

The architect of Pandora’s Music Genome Project — now advising Meta, Google, and YouTube on what comes next. Nolan doesn’t just explain AI. He makes your audience feel what it means.

Trusted by

YouTube Google Meta SXSW TEDx PBS National Geographic Pebble Beach Arts

About Nolan

Nolan Gasser is the music scientist, author, and PBS host who built the algorithm that powers Pandora — one of the most consequential applications of AI to human taste ever created. He’s spent 30 years at the intersection of music, data, and the human mind. Now he brings that lens to AI, creativity, and the choices your audience faces today.

Creator
Pandora’s Music Genome Project
PBS Series
Why You Like It
Author
Why You Like It — Flatiron Books
Stages
SXSW · TEDx · Meta · Google

Three Keynotes.
One Conversation.

Talk 01

The Aesthetic Paradox

AI can now compose music, write novels, and generate art — but can it develop taste? Nolan explores the frontier where machine intelligence meets human creativity, drawing on his work with Google DeepMind, Meta, and Katch. This is the talk every leader in an AI-disrupted industry needs to hear.

  • Why AI threatens some creators — and empowers others
  • The ethical questions every organization must answer now
  • How to lead through an aesthetic revolution
  • What the Music Genome Project taught us about AI’s real limits

Talk 02

The Sources & Blessings of Musical Taste

Based on his bestselling book and PBS series, Nolan reveals the psychology, culture, and neuroscience behind why we love what we love — and what that means for marketing, product, and leadership. Includes live piano demonstrations that turn a keynote into an experience.

  • The science of why preferences form — and how they change
  • How taste drives decisions more than any product feature
  • Why diverse teams consistently outperform homogenous ones
  • Practical frameworks for building things people genuinely love

Talk 03

The Sound of High Performance

Drawing on decades of music neuroscience research, Nolan reveals how sound and rhythm fundamentally shape cognition, focus, and creativity in the modern workplace. Part keynote, part live experiment — audiences don’t just hear about the science; they experience it.

  • The neurological link between music and deep work
  • How to use sound as a leadership and culture tool
  • Evidence-based methods to reduce stress and boost output
  • Building environments where real creative work happens

What Clients Say

The Room Changes.

Nolan belongs in the conversation with the most elite speakers in the world. His ability to connect music, science, and big ideas left our audience talking for days.

Jim McGillen

Pebble Beach Artists & Ideas Festival

Truly exceptional. Nolan’s keynote blended intellectual depth, stunning visuals, warmth, and humor in a way we’ve never seen. Our audience was captivated from start to finish.

Linda Hall Library

Leadership Summit

Book Nolan

Limited Dates
for 2026–2027

Q4 2026 is filling now. If you’re planning a conference, offsite, or leadership event, reach out early to hold your date.

Check Nolan’s Availability →

Common Questions

FAQ

How long are the keynotes?

Standard keynotes run 45–60 minutes. Half-day workshops and shorter 20–30 minute formats are available. All include time for Q&A.

Can the talk be customized for our industry?

Yes. Nolan tailors every keynote to the audience — whether you’re in tech, finance, healthcare, or the arts. He’ll incorporate your company’s specific challenges and goals into the narrative.

Does he travel internationally?

Yes. Nolan speaks globally. Virtual formats are also available for distributed teams and hybrid events.

What are the technical requirements?

Standard AV setup and wireless microphone. If the live piano component is included, a quality grand piano is required. Full technical rider provided on inquiry.

How far in advance should we book?

Most events book 3–6 months ahead. Q4 dates often book 6–9 months out. The earlier you reach out, the better your options.

Can Nolan perform live music as part of the keynote?

Yes — and it’s one of the most memorable parts of the experience. Live piano woven into the science creates a moment audiences don’t forget.