Interview with Carmine Emanuele Cella, Associate professor in Music and Technology, Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) – University of California, Berkeley – USA

The 13° episode dedicated to the discovery of Research Centers, Museums and Recording Studios where electronic music in all its forms is studied and practiced. First: Museo del Synt Marchigiano – Italy (here). Second: SMEM Swiss Museum for Electronic Music Instruments – Swiss (here). Third: MESS Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio – Austrialia (here). Fouth: Nakatsugawa Korg Museum – Japan (here). Fifth: Museo della Farfisa – Italy (here). Sixth: VSM Vintage Synthesizer Museum – USA (here). Seventh: CIM: Colloquio di Informatica Musicale XXIII – Italy (here). Eighth: SoundMit – International Synth Event – Italy (here). Nine: EMEAPP – Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project – USA (here). Ten: EMS Elektronmusik Studion – Sverige (here). Eleven: Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology (ICST) – Swiss (here). Twelve: IEM Institute for Electronic Music and Acoustics, Austria (here). Today is the turn of the interview with Carmine Emanuele Cella, Associate professor in Music and Technology, Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) – University of California, Berkeley – USA. I invite you to read the interview.

Here the Italian Translation

How did the Center for New Music and Audio Technologies come about?

The Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) was founded in 1989 at the University of California, Berkeley. It emerged from the intersection of music, technology, and academic research, aiming to explore the evolving relationship between music and new digital technologies. CNMAT was established to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among musicians, researchers, and technologists.

How is it structured?

CNMAT is structured as an interdisciplinary research center within UC Berkeley. It includes faculty, staff, visiting artists, and researchers who collaborate on various projects. The center is directed by a faculty member, typically from the Department of Music, and involves contributions from multiple departments, including Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS).

OpenLab: Machine Learning and Music Working Group

What equipment does the Center for New Music and Audio Technologies have?

CNMAT is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for music creation and research. This includes:
• Advanced audio workstations and software for digital signal processing.
• Custom-built hardware for sound synthesis and manipulation.
• High-quality sound systems and speakers for accurate sound reproduction.
• A variety of musical instruments integrated with technology, including MIDI controllers and
sensors.
• Facilities for recording, editing, and analyzing sound.

Icosahedral 120-Element Loudspeaker Array being assembled

What can you do at the Center for New Music and Audio Technologies?

At CNMAT, you can:
• Engage in research on new music technologies and digital audio processing.
• Collaborate with artists and technologists on interdisciplinary projects.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and performances related to new music and technology.
• Utilize the center’s equipment and resources for creating and experimenting with music.
• Participate in educational programs and courses offered through UC Berkeley.

Head motion simulator 1

Is it possible to do research at the Center for New Music and Audio Technologies?

Yes, CNMAT is a research-oriented facility where students, faculty, and visiting scholars can conduct research. The center supports projects that explore innovative uses of technology in music, including but not limited to digital signal processing, interactive music systems, and sound spatialization.

Is the Center for New Music and Audio Technologies on social media?

Yes, CNMAT maintains a presence on social media platforms to share news, events, and research updates. They can typically be found on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Roger Reynolds at 90: PASSAGE and Persistence

Does the Center for New Music and Audio Technologies care for the issue of gender in Electronic Music? And in the USA Musical Culture?

Yes, CNMAT is aware of and addresses issues of gender in electronic music and the broader musical culture in the USA. The center promotes diversity and inclusion through its programs, events, and collaborations. It supports initiatives that highlight and address gender disparities in the field.

Sensor Workshop 2008 Group Photo

What is your relationship with the USA Government?

CNMAT, as part of UC Berkeley, has indirect relationships with the USA Government primarily through funding and grants for research projects. These may come from federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The center adheres to government regulations and policies applicable to academic and research institutions.

Dzwonczyk’s sound work featured at CuratingAI Exhibition

Is the Center for New Music and Audio Technologies open to collaborations with institutions, associations, research centres?

Yes, CNMAT actively seeks and engages in collaborations with other institutions, associations, and research centers. These collaborations help foster interdisciplinary research, expand the scope of projects, and enhance the impact of their work in the field of music and technology.

Poet John Campion to read Consilience at CNMAT

Ongoing projects and future projects?

CNMAT has a variety of ongoing projects that explore different aspects of music technology. These include:
• Development of new digital instruments and interactive music systems.
• Research on sound spatialization and immersive audio environments.
• Collaborative projects with artists to create new works using advanced technologies.
• Educational initiatives to train the next generation of musicians and technologists.
Future projects at CNMAT will continue to push the boundaries of music and technology,
potentially exploring areas like artificial intelligence in music composition, new interfaces for
musical expression, and the integration of music technology with other artistic disciplines.

Link: The Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) Home Page

Link: The Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) Facebook Page

LInk: The Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) Instagram Profile

Link: The Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) Twitter Profile