Nicolas Arnaez

Nicolas Arnaez currently serves as Research Coordinator at the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Alberta, and as Lecturer in the Department of Music. He also holds roles as Production Manager at New Music Edmonton and Sound Technician at Yardbird Suite.

• Doctor of Music Composition (University of Alberta)
• Master of Music Composition (University of Alberta)
• Licentiate in Music Composition (University of Alberta)

A leading figure in interactive sound composition, Arnaez merges electroacoustic music, multichannel spatialization, and real-time processing to create immersive sonic experiences. His work explores the spatial dimension as a compositional parameter, employing tools like ambisonics, VBAP, and self-coded software to manipulate sound trajectories and audience perception.

His recent compositions, including Requiem 13 (2024) and SinData (2023-present), demonstrate consistent innovation in interactive installations, quadraphonic sound design, and human-technology collaboration. Key trends include site-specific works, cross-disciplinary projects, and experimental music education through tools like Wavegenerator and SpaCO software.

Notable grants include funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for his Lost Garden video game project (2017-2021), which explored interactive sound as game mechanic. He has developed specialized software for 3D spatialization (HPSC, Trajectory Recorder) and live processing (TallaD, ReDo Synth) used in both academic and performance contexts.

Arnaez collaborates with Mile Zero Dance Company (The Disaster Show, 2020-2025) and leads Blackout Over Rio (2018-present), an improvisation trio. His Audio Games Lab at University of Alberta and SpaCO spatialization software have become institutional resources for computer music research and Canadian sound art development.