“Why choose Plymouth? Because we don’t just imagine the future – we build it”

Student Alex Alani explains why he travelled to the UK to be part of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research

“Why choose Plymouth? Because we don’t just imagine the future – we build it”

Student Alex Alani explains why he travelled to the UK to be part of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research

16 April 2026

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 he’s halfway across the world at the University of Plymouth – completing a PhD unlike any other.

Alex is exploring the music technology of the future in the University’s 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 Moth 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 – but audio is a passion and quantum computing provides us with new ways of creating sound.

I’m looking at the music tech of the future and – while the opportunities of quantum computing haven’t been fully realised – here at Plymouth we’re at the forefront.

Crucially we’re not copying what already exists or trying to replicate anything using technology. We’re creating brand new sounds and production techniques using methods that haven’t really been explored before.

PhD student, Alex Alani

Alex first came to hear of the ICCMR after reading the world’s 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.

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 University of Plymouth combines music, technology and science – underpinning the institution’s leading place in creative arts. The conditions are just right here to break down barriers between disciplines.

Professor 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 University of Plymouth Big Band, which has been nominated for the Society of the Year prize at the 2026 Beacon Awards run by the University of Plymouth’s Students’ Union (UPSU).

Alex Alani playing trumpet with UPSU Big Band

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

I’m really looking forward to continuing our study and making the music of the future. Why choose Plymouth? Because we don’t just imagine the future – we build it.

PhD student, Alex Alani

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