I’m Wenshi Chen, a sophomore from Hanszen College pursuing a B.M. in Music History/Musicology at the Shepherd School of Music and minoring in Science & Technology Studies (STS). As someone with a deep passion for music, history and technology, I am captivated by how these fields intersect and bridge the gap between the performing arts and modern technology.

Musicology is the study of music across cultures and historical periods. It explores the history, cultural contexts and interpretation of music, and musicologists focus on researching, analyzing, and writing about music. As part of the Shepherd School of Music’s small but vibrant Musicology Department, I’m proud to be one of only two undergraduates pursuing this unique degree. My minor in STS is a joint program between the School of Humanities and the School of Social Sciences. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed me to uncover connections between my musicology studies and the broader world of science and technology.

My interest in technology began with a transformative class I took at Rice: The History of AI with Dr. Elizabeth Petrick. This course explored the evolution of artificial intelligence from multiple perspectives — including its technical advancements, the philosophical questions it raises and its profound societal impacts. Not only did this class demystify AI for me, it also sparked an interest in examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the arts and will potentially revolutionize how we create and experience music.

My interest led me to attend the Scientia/De Lange Conference at Rice, which prompted me to enroll in some computer science courses. These courses allowed me to develop practical technical skills and further explore how to integrate technology with my musicology studies.

I also became interested in researching Algoraves, a rising innovative musical movement blending live coding music, visual effects and cultural expression. These research efforts took me to the annual American Musicological Society Conference in Chicago. At this conference, I heard from researchers, professors and students who shared their latest findings in the field of musicology. Beyond gaining academic insights, the conference was an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and develop friendships with others who share a passion for interdisciplinary approaches to music. 

My learning experiences in and out of the classroom have only deepened my passion for music and technology. By combining my interests with the many interdisciplinary opportunities that Rice offers, I’ve found a community where I can continue to explore and grow. I am so excited to see how my next “movements” unfold and what groundbreaking innovations await!

-Wenshi Chen, ‘27 Hanzen (Published on 12/17/2024)