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
- ✓Full-stack web application development (Next.js, TypeScript, SQL databases)
- ✓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 AI Music 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
Targeted studies in Max/MSP programming, custom synthesis engine scripting, sound analysis, creative DSP layout, and electronic orchestration templates.
B.S. in Computer Science (Minor in Music)
2022 - 2026Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Acquired strong fundamentals in systems programming, databases, algorithm design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and 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.