The Intersection of Sound & Software
I am Yiheng (Ian) Zhu, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Music in Music Technology at New York University (NYU). Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (with a minor in Music) from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, my focus lies at the boundary of engineering and creative performance. I am also currently pursuing a second Bachelor's degree in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design from Berklee College of Music.
To me, technology is not just about computing speed, and art is not just about abstract shapes. I believe in designing Human-Centered Interactive Systems that make computer-assisted audio production accessible, intuitive, and deeply expressive. My goal is to build digital tools, whether through machine learning plugins, embedded audio platforms, or virtual/augmented systems, that expand the palette of how sound is made and heard.
Core Technical Foundations
- ✓Real-time digital signal processing (DSP) and C++ development
- ✓Audio software & DAW tools using Max/MSP, Ableton Live, Pure Data
- ✓AR/VR framework engineering with OpenXR and RayLib APIs
Research Interests
- ✦AI-assisted music synthesis & parameter optimization
- ✦Spatial, binaural, and immersive audio rendering inside virtual worlds
- ✦HCI interfaces for sound design controllers
- ✦Machine learning models for genre analysis & transcription
Academic Background
M.M. in Music Technology
2026 - 2028 (Expected)New York University
Focusing on Music AI models, Immersive Spatial Acoustics, Interactive Music Performance Patches, and XR Environments.
- NYU Steinhardt Global Citizen Scholarship
B.A. in Electronic Music Production & Sound Design
2026 - 2028 (Expected)Berklee College of Music
Focusing on Max/MSP Programming, Custom Synthesis Engine Scripting, Sound Analysis, Creative DSP Layout, Creative Sound Designs, Game & Movie Audio, and Electronic Orchestration Templates.
- Dean's List
B.S. in Computer Science (Minor in Music)
2022 - 2026Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Acquired strong fundamentals in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Systems Programming, Databases, Algorithm Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Machine/Deep Learning.
- Dean's List
- Rose-Hulman Merit Scholarship
Research & Publications
Five Methods of Exoplanet Detection
IOPscience • Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Before specializing in music tech, I conducted data analysis modeling on astrophysical methods (Transit Photometry, Radial Velocity, Astrometry) using Python scripts to compare discovery bounds across stars.
Get in Touch
I'm open to internships, full-time roles, collaborations, and research projects in music technology, sound design, and interactive audio. Feel free to reach out!
Music Technology & Sound Design Roles
Internships, full-time jobs, and collaborations in sound design for games and film, audio software development, and interactive music systems.
Research & Academic Collaborations
Research projects in spatial audio, music AI, and human-computer interaction for music and sound.