Nick Collins

Professor Nick Collins is a Professor in the Department of Music at Durham University. His research focuses on live computer music, musical artificial intelligence, and computational musicology. He is also an active performer as a composer-programmer-pianist, engaging in algorave and electronic chamber music performances.

His academic contributions include co-editing The Cambridge Companion to Electronic Music (2007/2017) and The SuperCollider Book (2011/2024), as well as authoring Introduction to Computer Music (2009). His work bridges theoretical research and practical innovation, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to music technology.

Key research areas include AI-driven composition, algorithmic music analysis, and live coding practices. Notable projects involve creating AI voice model choirs, analyzing music corpora (e.g., Radiohead), and developing open-source tools for MIR (Music Information Retrieval). His recent work explores the ethical and creative implications of AI in contemporary music production.

• Supervised student: Andrew Brown
• Key publications span journals like Royal Society Open Science, Computer Music Journal, and conferences like International Computer Music Conference.

Cross-cutting themes include historical electronic music analysis, algorithmic creativity, and the intersection of mathematics and sound art.