Akito van Troyer

Associate Professor

Affiliated Departments

617-747-8963

For media inquiries, please contact Media Relations

Akito van Troyer is an associate professor of electronic production and design at Berklee College of Music. His interdisciplinary research focuses on exploring and developing new musical experiences that enrich people's lives and impact the future of human expression. Dr. van Troyer accomplishes his research through innovations in musical instrument design, music production, performance, and audience participation. He obtained his Ph.D. from the MIT Media Lab in 2018, creating innovative interactive music systems that inspire people to discover their unique musical language. Dr. van Troyer previously completed his master's through the MIT Media Lab in 2012, designing new performance systems that encourage audience participation and augment the experience of audience members through interconnected networks. He also earned a master's degree in 2010 from the Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology, building computer-based live performance platforms for laptop orchestras.

Courses Taught (2)

Awards

People's Choice Awards for Most Unusual Musical Instrument, Guthman Musical Instrument Competition (2017)
Best Artwork Award, the ACM Creativity and Cognition Conference (2011)

In Their Own Words

My interdisciplinary expertise, which includes degrees in media arts and sciences, music technology, and interdisciplinary studies for multimedia, provides me with a broad knowledge base to teach various subjects and help students understand the connections between multiple disciplines. Additionally, my extensive research experience at institutions like the MIT Media Lab and Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology enables me to bring cutting-edge ideas and techniques into the classroom, directly informing the content of my courses. My work as a senior research engineer at Sonos and as the founder and lead technologist at AVTLab provides valuable insights into the practical applications of music technology and interactive media, preparing students for real-world challenges and opportunities.

Furthermore, my creative practice, including projects, installations, and performances, demonstrates my ability to translate theoretical concepts into engaging experiences, inspiring students to explore their artistic visions. My extensive teaching experience at institutions like Berklee College of Music, MIT, and Colorado College has equipped me with the pedagogical skills necessary to effectively convey complex ideas and guide students through hands-on learning experiences. Lastly, my involvement in numerous collaborative projects highlights my ability to foster a collaborative spirit in my classroom and teach students the importance of teamwork and communication in creative and technological endeavors.