M.S. in Music Technology - Alumnus

Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?

I had been doing some personal research for ways to innovate my live music performance. Eventually I was told I should talk with Dr. Scott Deal. I met with him and from our conversation I could tell that he and the department were thinking about many similar concepts and ideas for directions to take music technology.

What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?

My concepts often lose credibility because I can’t seem to focus in on just one aspect at a time. Of course, I still have this problem and I’m continuing to learn ways around it. However I’m far more aware of the nuances that, one way or the other push others over the edge in how they perceive your idea.

What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis has a lot going for it. There are top-notch musical events almost every night, and so many down-to-earth people.

Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.

I’ve been working as a research assistant for Dr. Benjamin Smith. He and Dr. Robin Cox put together a mobile multimedia experience, called the Big Tent. It can be thought of as a pop up venue for interactive / immersive concerts or installations with 8 projector screen walls and 8 speakers in a circular array. We do a lot in hardware and software to optimize mobility, minimize setup time, automate and create easier methods for artists to express themselves within the environment. It’s been a tremendous opportunity to assist in this project and see/be a part of their teamwork. From this experience I’ve gained a lot of knowledge in the software Max/MSP. This has allowed me to also begin prototyping a long list of my own instruments and experiments that I’ve dreamed of creating for years.