This study explores the relationships among music students' artificial intelligence (AI) perceptions, motivation, engagement, creativity and learning success. Through a random sampling method, 521 Chinese music students participated in the research, which employed a range of questionnaires to assess AI perceptions, motivation, engagement, learning outcomes and creativity. The study utilised SPSS (version 27) and AMOS (version 24) for comprehensive statistical analysis. Findings reveal a significant relationship between students' perceptions of AI in music education and their motivation, engagement and learning success. Positive AI perceptions were found to enhance motivation by increasing interest in innovative learning tools and fostering engagement through interactive AI-based learning environments. Moreover, these perceptions were predictive of higher motivation, engagement and learning success. The study suggests that AI can play a crucial role in enhancing educational outcomes by making learning more interactive, personalised and engaging, thus improving overall student performance and creativity in music education.