Computer Music Center

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Computer Music Center

The Computer Music Center (CMC) is a leading institution for the study and creation of computer music. It is part of Columbia University in New York City. The CMC is renowned for its pioneering work in the field of electronic music and digital audio.

History[edit | edit source]

The Computer Music Center was originally established in 1958 as the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center (CPEMC) by composers Vladimir Ussachevsky and Otto Luening. It was one of the first centers in the United States dedicated to the creation and study of electronic music. The center was initially funded by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation.

In 1995, the center was renamed the Computer Music Center to reflect its expanded focus on digital technologies and computer-based music production.

The CMC houses state-of-the-art facilities for the creation and study of computer music. These include:

Multiple recording studios equipped with advanced audio equipment.
A large collection of synthesizers and other electronic instruments.
Computer labs with specialized software for music composition, sound synthesis, and audio processing.
A library with an extensive collection of books, scores, and recordings related to electronic and computer music.

The CMC offers a variety of educational programs and research opportunities. These include:

Undergraduate and graduate courses in computer music, electronic music, and digital audio.
Workshops and seminars on topics such as sound design, algorithmic composition, and interactive music systems.
Collaborative research projects with other departments at Columbia University, such as the Department of Music and the School of the Arts.