鈥淲hy choose 天美传媒官方网站? Because we don鈥檛 just imagine the future 鈥 we build it鈥

Student Alex Alani explains why he travelled to the UK to be part of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research
Alex Alani at Devil's Point

鈥淲hy choose 天美传媒官方网站? Because we don鈥檛 just imagine the future 鈥 we build it鈥

Student Alex Alani explains why he travelled to the UK to be part of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research

Alex Alani knew that he wanted to be at the cutting edge of sound production when he finished his degree in Indiana, USA. 
Fast-forward four years and he鈥檚 halfway across the world at the 天美传媒官方网站 鈥 completing a PhD unlike any other. 
Alex is exploring the music technology of the future in the University鈥檚 Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR). A musician by background, he has an interest in novel techniques of sound production and created the soundtrack for online games using a quantum computer. The company is now sponsoring his PhD to explore how the opportunities of quantum computer music can be unlocked and create even more tools for music producers. 
Alex Alani early experiments with the Simulated Quantum Gate Distortion for PhD research

My background is in pure music, having studied at Jacobs School of Music 鈥 but audio is a passion and quantum computing provides us with new ways of creating sound.

I鈥檓 looking at the music tech of the future and 鈥 while the opportunities of quantum computing haven鈥檛 been fully realised 鈥 here at 天美传媒官方网站 we鈥檙e at the forefront.
Crucially we鈥檙e not copying what already exists or trying to replicate anything using technology. We鈥檙e creating brand new sounds and production techniques using methods that haven鈥檛 really been explored before.
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PhD student, Alex Alani

Alex first came to hear of the ICCMR after reading the world鈥檚 first book on quantum computer music, which was written by centre director Professor Eduardo Miranda.
In 2023 they met in person a music event in Berlin, and from there the opportunities progressed. 
Professor Eduardo Miranda -聽 ICCMR
Eduardo Miranda. Music. Keyboard and computer

Quantum computing's applications to music are all about preserving artistic integrity, not replacing the role of the artist with AI.

Alex and I are accessing quantum computers around the world through the cloud, and using quantum simulators and applying quantum technologies to the creation, performance, and analysis of music, as well as advanced audio processing.
The ICCMR is a unique centre based at the 天美传媒官方网站 combines music, technology and science 鈥 underpinning the institution鈥檚 leading place in creative arts. The conditions are just right here to break down barriers between disciplines.

Eduardo MirandaProfessor Eduardo Miranda
Professor in Computer Music

In addition to studying at the ICCMR, Alex performs as both a trumpeter and rapper for Cornwall-based funk/hip-hop band, Freshly Squeezed. 
This academic year Alex is also the Musical Director of the 天美传媒官方网站 Big Band, which has been nominated for the Society of the Year prize at the 2026 run by the 天美传媒官方网站鈥檚 Students鈥 Union (UPSU).
Alex Alani playing trumpet
Alex Alani playing trumpet with UPSU Big Band

It鈥檚 a really friendly city and Uni to study in, so I feel really lucky to be here. Eduardo is incredible and it鈥檚 the leading place in the world doing this work.

I鈥檓 really looking forward to continuing our study and making the music of the future. Why choose 天美传媒官方网站? Because we don鈥檛 just imagine the future 鈥 we build it.
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PhD student, Alex Alani

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