We present a comprehensive survey on the topic of sound and music composition using interactive evolutionary computation (IEC). After explaining the fundamentals of IEC and computer music, we investigate the research subject from various aspects, including the presentation of sound and music in computer programming, IEC optimization algorithm studies, fitness function design, and interface design and evaluation methods in IEC. These subjects drive the theoretical study in this field. There are a variety of studies addressing IEC application-oriented studies, and we summarize the findings related to auditory and acoustic design with IEC. Knowledge discovery of auditory perception with IEC and IEC for auditory aid are two unique research subjects using IEC. Finally, we discuss potential research directions and subjects, including IEC for physiological and psychological research of auditory and the extension of IEC into the acoustic design of long-time music genres. IEC is not only a technique for optimization in auditory and acoustic design with human factors but also an implementation tool to achieve intelligent composition systems and creative art design with human-in-the-loop. It is a powerful tool to implement an artificial intelligence system with more considerations of human factors.
