V J Manzo

V J Manzo is an Associate Professor of Music Technology & Cognition at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), affiliated with the Department of Humanities & Arts. He directs the RATLab, encompassing the Electric Guitar Innovation Lab (EGIL) and the Interactive Music Systems Lab (IMSLab). His research focuses on the intersection of music, technology, and creativity, with expertise in algorithmic composition, interactive systems, and adaptive instruments.

Education: Ph.D. in Music Education (Temple University, 2012), M.M. in Music Technology (NYU, 2007), B.A. in Music Education (Kean University, 2005).

Research Interests: Algorithmic composition, interactive music systems, music cognition, guitar technology innovation, and music accessibility. His work emphasizes technology-driven tools for non-musicians and special needs populations.

Recent Articles: Focus on pedagogical applications of music technology (e.g., signal processing for effect pedals) and foundational studies in harmonic function discrimination. His publications bridge music theory, computer science, and education.

Awards: Distinguished Alumni Award (Kean University, 2013), multiple WPI Faculty Achievement Awards, and the 2009 CMS Best Student Presentation Award.

Grants & Advising: Over 20 grants since 2011, including funding from the Les Paul Foundation and NSF. Advised numerous undergraduate and graduate students on projects ranging from guitar innovations to sonification systems.

Labs & Teams: EGIL explores electric guitar engineering; IMSLab develops interactive systems. Collaborations include the Davis Center for Sound Therapy and Rowan University's IMAGS (Music-induced Analgesia Genome Study).