CV
Xavier Serra is Professor at the Department of Engineering of Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona, where he founded and directs the Music Technology Group (MTG). With a PhD in Computer Music from Stanford University (1989), he is internationally recognized for his contributions to sound and music computing, particularly in the analysis, description, and synthesis of musical signals, and in the development of AI-based methodologies for music understanding. He was awarded an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for the CompMusic project, a pioneering initiative that promoted multicultural and interdisciplinary approaches in music information research. He currently directs the UPF-BMAT Chair on Artificial Intelligence and Music, which is dedicated to fostering ethical, transparent, and context-aware AI technologies that can empower the music sector and support creators, educators, and users. His research combines data-driven and knowledge-based approaches, with applications in music creation, education, and cultural heritage. A strong advocate of open science, he actively promotes open datasets, software, and reproducible research practices. He has led numerous international and national research projects, collaborated closely with industry and cultural institutions, and supervised a large number of doctoral students, contributing to the advancement of a trustworthy and human-centered music technology.
Education
1989 PhD in Computer Music, Stanford University, USA.
1983 Master in Music, Florida State University, USA.
1981 Bachelor in Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
Employment history
2017-now Full Professor (Catedrático) at UPF.
1996-2017 Associate Professor (Profesor Titular) at UPF.
1995-1996 Visiting Professor (Profesor Visitante) at UPF.
1991-1994 Post-doc at Phonos Foundation.
1989-1991 Chief Engineer at Yamaha Music Technologies USA, Inc.