Generation contingencies in a power system lead to under-frequency and low voltages owing to active and reactive power deficiencies. Load shedding is considered as a last alternative to avoid the cascaded tripping and blackout in power systems during generation contingencies. It is essential to optimize the amount of load to be shed in order to prevent excessive load shedding. To minimize load shedding, this paper proposes the implementation of music inspired optimization algorithm known as improved harmony search algorithm (IHSA). The optimal solution of steady state load shedding is carried out by squaring the difference between the connected and supplied power (active and reactive). The proposed algorithm is tested on IEEE 14, 30 and 118 bus test systems. The viability of the proposed method in terms of solution quality and convergence properties is compared with the other conventional methods reported earlier. © 2015 Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University.