How Technology is Changing the Way We Make Music: A Look Inside Columbia University's Groundbreaking Computer Music Center

Columbia University’s Computer Music Center has been at the forefront of music technology for decades, shaping the way sound is created, studied, and experienced. In this episode of Music Evolves, I get to sit down (and walk around) with Seth Cluett to explore the center’s rich history, its role in pioneering electronic music, and how today’s artists blend creativity with cutting-edge tools like AI, spatial audio, and modular synthesis.

From breaking down barriers to access in music technology to redefining the relationship between human expression and digital innovation, this conversation highlights the future of sound and its limitless possibilities.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much I did and do.

Until next time ...

Keep creating, keep listening, and let the music move you.??

—Sean Martin, Host, Music Evolves Podcast

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?? Key Episode Highlights

? Electronic music technology has deep historical roots and continues to shape modern sound production.

• The Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, now the Computer Music Center (CMC) at Columbia University, was instrumental in pioneering electronic music.
• It trained generations of composers, introduced groundbreaking tools like the RCA Mark II Synthesizer, and played a role in major music innovations.
• The center’s historical influence extends globally, as early students returned to their home countries to establish electronic music studios.

? Removing barriers to technology enhances creativity and inclusion in music.

• Accessibility is key to fostering creativity in music technology. Cluett emphasizes that many students, especially those from schools without access to music tech, might feel intimidated by complex studio setups.
• The CMC’s approach ensures that anyone can start making music with 80% functionality within 20 minutes of entering a studio, lowering friction and encouraging creative experimentation.

? Technology is a tool for expanding human creativity, not replacing it.

• While AI and machine learning are being integrated into music production, they have not yet captured the expressive and emotional depth that human musicians bring.
• Cluett argues that technology enhances artistic possibilities—whether through spatial audio, interactive performance tools, or real-time sound manipulation—but it does not eliminate the need for human artistry.
• The future of music lies in blending human expression with technological advancements, rather than choosing one over the other.

?? Meet the Guest

Seth Cluett , Director of 美国哥伦比亚大学 's Computer Music Center | Columbia University Computer Music Center Bio

??? Meet the Host

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine Podcasts and Host of Music Evolves Podcast | View Profile

? Meet the Sponsors

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?? Resources

• Columbia University Computer Music Center: https://cmc.music.columbia.edu/
• The last piece of functional music created on the RCA Mark II Synthesizer (1998) | DJ Spooky vs. The Freight Elevator Quartet – File Under Futurism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KViFoylo2hQ
• Podcast | The Future Of Music And Its Impact On Society And Humanity | With Seth Cluett and Scott Scheferman: https://itspmagazine.simplecast.com/episodes/the-future-of-music-and-its-impact-on-society-and-humanity-with-seth-cluett-and-shagghie

?? Photos From The Visit

?? Join the Conversation

How do you see technology shaping the future of music—enhancing creativity or replacing human expression? What innovations excite you most in sound production and performance?

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?? About Sean Martin

Sean Martin is a life-long musician and the host of the Music Evolves Podcast; a career technologist, cybersecurity professional, and host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast; and is also the co-host of both the Random and Unscripted Podcast and On Location Event Coverage Podcast. These shows are all part of ITSPmagazine—which he co-founded with his good friend Marco Ciappelli, to explore and discuss topics at The Intersection of Technology, Cybersecurity, and Society.??

Want to connect with Sean and Marco On Location at an event or conference near you? See where they will be next: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-location

To learn more about Sean, visit his personal website.