New York University and Sony Corporation Launch the Sony Audio Institute to Foster Innovation at the Intersection of Music and Technology
March 12, 2025 (New York, NY) – In a groundbreaking collaboration, New York University (NYU) and Sony Corporation, through its Personal Entertainment Business’ U.S. operations, have announced the establishment of the Sony Audio Institute. This initiative, set within NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, aims to cultivate a new generation of creators and innovators by blending the realms of technology, music, and business. The Institute is designed to serve as a collaborative hub for the next decade, integrating the professional and consumer audio expertise of Sony with the academic environment of NYU.
Purpose and Vision of the Sony Audio Institute
The Sony Audio Institute represents a strategic alliance between NYU’s Steinhardt School and Sony’s Personal Entertainment Business, which focuses on the advancement of music and creative industries. Officially named the Sony Audio Institute for Music Business and Technology, this endeavor will provide unprecedented opportunities for students enrolled in Steinhardt’s Music Business and Music Technology degree programs. By leveraging Sony’s wide-ranging influence in both professional and consumer audio, the Institute aims to enhance educational experiences with cutting-edge technology and fuel innovative research initiatives. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen NYU’s connection with New York City’s dynamic entertainment sector through a series of events and workshops.
Leadership and Structure
Larry S. Miller, a clinical professor at NYU Steinhardt and a well-regarded veteran of the music industry, will serve as the inaugural Director of the Sony Audio Institute. Miller, who was recently awarded the 2024 Educator of the Year Award by the Music Business Association, will also continue his role as Director of the Music Business Program at NYU Steinhardt until the fall of 2025. His leadership is expected to guide the Institute in its mission to inspire and empower future music creators.
Statements from Key Leaders
Kimio Maki, President and CEO of Sony Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting NYU’s esteemed history in producing exceptional audio talent. "This collaboration will inspire creativity in the next generation of music creators and influence the music industry for years to come," Maki stated.
NYU President Linda G. Mills shared her excitement, emphasizing the new opportunities this initiative will create for students through scholarships, internships, and research fellowships. "This forward-looking initiative will not only create new avenues for creative expression but also give our students a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry," Mills noted.
Integration of Sony’s Advanced Technology
A significant feature of the Sony Audio Institute is the integration of Sony’s state-of-the-art technology into NYU’s educational framework, particularly for students focusing on music business and technology. Students will gain access to innovative audio solutions, such as Sony’s 360 Reality Audio and 360 Virtual Mixing Environment. These technologies provide immersive music experiences and enable professional-level audio mixing using headphones, facilitating creative production from virtually any location.
Research Collaboration with NYU’s Music and Audio Research Lab
The collaboration extends to NYU’s Music and Audio Research Lab (MARL), which will engage in pioneering research on music and audio technologies with input from Sony’s researchers and engineers. MARL’s research currently spans several areas, including auditory perception, machine listening, and immersive audio. The joint research efforts will augment MARL’s existing projects and provide a platform for students to influence the future of music and technology.
Engagement and Opportunities for Students
The partnership between NYU and Sony will foster student engagement through interactive workshops, internships, and special events, offering real-world industry experiences. A studio at NYU’s Brooklyn campus will be named the "Sony Audio Institute Studio" and will be equipped with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio and 360 Virtual Mixing Environment. These facilities will support student-driven programming that bridges academic learning with professional practice, offering a platform for hands-on innovation and collaboration.
Scholarship Program and Financial Support
The Sony Audio Institute will also establish a scholarship program to support undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at NYU Steinhardt who demonstrate financial need and academic merit. This initiative will prioritize students interested in pursuing research or careers in the audio industry, providing them with the resources to succeed.
Reflections from NYU Steinhardt’s Leadership
Jack H. Knott, Dean of NYU Steinhardt, expressed his appreciation for the partnership, stating, "Our programs are already among the best in the world, and with this new support from Sony, we will produce the talent and research to drive the future of music creation and audio technology."
Larry S. Miller, the Director of the Sony Audio Institute, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "I am honored and excited to be leading this innovative new Institute. Our outstanding students, faculty, and researchers will embrace the multitude of opportunities this brings to NYU Steinhardt’s music programs."
Sony’s Commitment to Innovation and Creativity
Jun Makino, Vice President of Personal Entertainment Business U.S. operations at Sony, emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing audio technology and creating transformative music experiences. "The Sony Audio Institute is part of our long-term vision to drive innovation, cultivate fresh perspectives, and reinforce Sony audio’s role at the forefront of supporting music creators," Makino stated.
Jordy Freed, Head of Brand, Business Development & Strategy at Sony, highlighted the Institute’s mission to invest in and empower the next generation of creators and industry leaders. "We want to break down barriers by giving young creators access to world-class tools, mentorship, and hands-on experiences—helping them develop their craft and shape the sound of tomorrow," Freed remarked.
About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, manages the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With a mission to "create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators," Sony aims to deliver Kando—a Japanese term reflecting the emotional impact of experiencing something beautiful—for people worldwide.
About NYU Steinhardt
Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City, NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development prepares students for careers across the arts, education, health, media, and psychology sectors. Established in 1890, the School’s mission is to expand human capacity through public service, global collaboration, research, scholarship, and practice. More information about NYU Steinhardt can be found at steinhardt.nyu.edu.
This collaboration between NYU and Sony marks a significant step in merging academia with industry expertise, empowering the next wave of music and technology pioneers. The Sony Audio Institute stands as a testament to the potential of interdisciplinary partnerships in shaping the future of creative industries.
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