ñޜWhy choose ñ? Because we donñޙt just imagine the future ñޓ we build itñޝ

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

ñޜWhy choose ñ? Because we donñޙt just imagine the future ñޓ we build itñޝ

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 heñޙs halfway across the world at the ñ ñޓ completing a PhD unlike any other. 
Alex is exploring the music technology of the future in the Universityñޙs 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 ñޓ but audio is a passion and quantum computing provides us with new ways of creating sound.

Iñޙm looking at the music tech of the future and ñޓ while the opportunities of quantum computing havenñޙt been fully realised ñޓ here at ñ weñޙre at the forefront.
Crucially weñޙre not copying what already exists or trying to replicate anything using technology. Weñޙre creating brand new sounds and production techniques using methods that havenñޙt really been explored before.
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PhD student, Alex Alani

Alex first came to hear of the ICCMR after reading the worldñޙs 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 -  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 ñ combines music, technology and science ñޓ underpinning the institutionñޙs 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 ñ Big Band, which has been nominated for the Society of the Year prize at the 2026 run by the ññޙs Studentsñޙ Union (UPSU).
Alex Alani playing trumpet
Alex Alani playing trumpet with UPSU Big Band

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

Iñޙm really looking forward to continuing our study and making the music of the future. Why choose ñ? Because we donñޙt just imagine the future ñޓ we build it.
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PhD student, Alex Alani

Find out more

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Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR)
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Close-up of boutique recording studio control desk. Shutterstock image. Music mixing desk with headphones. 
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