Music, technology, and intelligence. We bring together engineers, musicians, and researchers to design intelligent instruments, analyze musical structures, and build generative systems, with special attention to Arabic musical traditions.
The µ-lab combines science, mathematics, and machine learning with cultural traditions. We build electronic and acoustic instruments that map physical movement to sound, develop generative composition algorithms with a focus on alternate tuning systems, and create computational analysis tools for maqam and other non-Western musical traditions. Graduate admissions through the AUB Computational Science MS/PhD tracks; undergraduates can join through the Vertically Integrated Project Program (VIPP).
Designing novel musical instruments, both electronic and acoustic, and building interfaces that control generative AI parameters in real time. Attention to Arabic music's non-standard tuning systems and modal structures.
Text-to-audio generative models adapted for real-time improvisation. Working with tuning systems beyond 12-TET, particularly the microtonal maqam family and other traditions where Western equal temperament fails as a musical target.
Music information retrieval algorithms for quarter tones and complex modal structures. Data-driven analysis of Arabic musical corpora with attention to the modal, ornamentation, and rhythmic features that generic MIR pipelines drop.
An open-source, open-access web platform for interactive exploration of Arabic maqam theory. Integrates historical tuning systems, tetrachords, melodic modes, performance pathways, and modulation practices into a unified digital framework.
Research fellowship supporting the lab's work on Arabic music, intelligent instruments, and computational musicology.