Mark Sexton

Mark Sexton is a Principal Lecturer and Academic Lead at the School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies, University of Portsmouth, where he has been contributing since 2007. He serves as Associate Head (Academic) in the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries and leads initiatives in teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum development. He has led the accreditation of multiple courses and contributed to academic governance at institutional and external levels.

His research centers on Digital Musicology, intersecting traditional musicology with digital tools and computational methods. Key interests include:

• Generative Music and Algorithmic Composition
• Spatial Audio and Sound Design
• Music for Games and Interactive Media
• Creative Coding and Machine Learning in Music
• Digital Humanities in Creative Practice

His recent publications (2023) explore the works of Ligeti, Birtwistle, Beethoven, and original cast recordings using digital analysis techniques. These works reflect a consistent trend in applying computational and digital methods to musicological inquiry and creative applications.

Mark is actively involved in interdisciplinary research projects, including AI-driven sound design and computational score analysis. He collaborates with institutions and researchers across the UK and contributes to innovation in digital arts.

Professional affiliations include:

• Incorporated Society of Musicians
• Alan Turing Institute – AI & Arts Interest Group
• Society for Music Theory – Jazz Interest Group
• Audio Engineering Society (AES)
• Media in the Digital Age – Turing Special Interest Group

He advises on academic practice, curriculum innovation, and assessment design. His leadership extends to course development and quality assurance. He has also served as an external examiner and workshop facilitator. Mark is a practicing musician, composer, and sound engineer, enriching his academic work with professional creative experience.

He previously served as Head of the Music Department at Northbrook College, Sussex, before joining the University of Portsmouth.