Akito Oshiro van Troyer

Akito van Troyer strives to impact the future of human expression by creating musical experiences that enrich people's lives. He accomplishes this through technological innovations in the fields of musical instrument design, music composition, performance, and audience participation. Akito obtained his Ph.D. degree from the MIT Media Lab in 2018 inventing novel interactive music systems that inspire and guide people in discovering their own musical language. His research interest lies in the transformation of everyday objects into playful medium to permeate creative thinking. Akito previously completed his Masters 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 his Masters in 2010 at the Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology, making tools and platforms for laptop orchestra. Fluent in Japanese and English and beginner in French, Akito was born in Portland, Oregon. He grew up on the island of Okinawa in Japan and spent many years surfing in Hawaii. Akito also has a pet hedgehog named Petit who often hangs out in his pocket.