How a Dutch Technology Platform Uses Artificial Intelligence to Simplify Music Education
Groningen, Sunday 16 August 2026
Groningen-based Chordify has harnessed advanced artificial intelligence to automatically transcribe chords for 36 million songs, revolutionising how musicians learn and play instruments globally.
From University Research to Global Edtech Scale-up
Founded in 2013 in Groningen by Tijmen Ruizendaal, Gijs Bekenkamp, Bas de Haas, and Dion ten Heggeler, Chordify originated as a university research project aimed at simplifying music learning through artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chord transcription [1]. Since its inception, the company has grown into a major digital media player, marking 13 years of technological progression by 2026. Supported by Techleap and the wider Dutch technology ecosystem, the platform now boasts an expansive catalogue of 36,000,000 songs, allowing musicians of all skill levels to easily engage with their favourite tracks [1][2].
The Mechanics of AI-Driven Transcription
At its core, Chordify leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to analyse audio tracks from diverse digital sources—including YouTube, Deezer, SoundCloud, and personal MP3 uploads [1][3]. The platform automatically recognises audio signals and synchronises them in real-time, converting music into clear, interactive chords and beats [1][2]. To enhance the learning experience, the system provides animated chord diagrams and interactive tools, such as a digital capo, which assist guitar, piano, and ukulele players during practice sessions [1][2].
Navigating Scaling and Copyright Challenges
Transitioning from an academic project to a commercial scale-up presented several complex challenges. The platform’s developers had to refine real-time chord recognition accuracy and scale their digital infrastructure to support a rapidly expanding library [1]. Furthermore, establishing robust partnerships with music publishers was essential to respect copyright laws and ensure full legal compliance across international markets [1]. To monetise these efforts, Chordify introduced a Premium subscription model via Google Play, offering advanced tools such as chord transposition, playback speed control, loop functions, and MIDI or PDF exports [2].
A Shift Towards Interactive Music Education
In line with its long-term strategy, Chordify recently launched a ‘Toolkit’ across all platforms, introducing educational features such as ‘Live Chord Detection’ and ‘Practise your Chords’ [1]. This shift towards structured music education has been met with positive user reception, enabling both beginners and professionals to generate chord transcriptions in near real-time [2]. To maintain its competitive edge in the edtech sector, Chordify participated in the Techleap for Scaleups ‘Rise’ programme, adopting a ‘Grow As You Go’ philosophy to continuously improve its AI capabilities and develop personalised lesson paths [1].