Aaron Labbé and Frank A. Russo Distinguished Lecture — Transforming music into medicine
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Pour plus d'informations en français, veuillez visiter notre page web à ce lien : https://www.cirmmt.org/fr/events/distinguished-lectures/1-feb-2027-labbe-russo
*Veuillez noter que cette conférence se déroulera en anglais.
This Distinguished Lecture will take place in Tanna Schulich Hall (527 Sherbrooke O) and will be followed by a catered reception in the Elizabeth Wirth Music Building lobby.
This event is free and open to the public and no registration is required for this event.
Abstract
For many years, my research has focused on how machine learning can better support fundamentally human creative activities in music and art. Working closely with creators—including musicians, instrument designers, artists, and children—has shown me that creative practice requires us to think differently about what ML is good for, how data functions within today's AI systems, and how to build ML tools for creative and critical uses. For instance, I'll discuss how ML can foster embodied engagement in design, expand who can participate in creative practices with technology, and underpin completely new types of creative work. Along the way, I'll show how creative practices with ML invite us to understand training data as an expression of choices, priorities, and values—and how working with data and models can challenge, surprise, and ultimately change us.
Biographies
Aaron Labbé is the CTO and co-founder of LUCID, an audio technology and digital health company transforming music into medicine. He first conceived LUCID in 2015 during his thesis research at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he explored music as a scalable tool for mental health. LUCID’s breakthrough innovation, Resonance Rx, is an FDA-registered, Medicare-reimbursed software medical device and one of the first music-based therapies available by prescription globally. As a guest lecturer, speaker, and Forbes technology writer, Aaron's work explores how AI, music, and technology can expand human potential. His ideas and creative work have reached international audiences, with exhibitions and presentations at institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, Sónar Barcelona, and Xebec Hall in Kobe, Japan.
Frank A. Russo, PhD, is the CSO of LUCID and Professor of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he directs the SMART Lab and serves as Scientific Director of the SingWell Project. His research explores how music and sound shape the brain, with a focus on aging, hearing, emotion, and social connection. Integrating neuroscience, psychology, and rehabilitation science, his work uses neuroimaging, physiological biomarkers, and community-based interventions to examine how music can reduce stress, support communication, and promote brain health. Dr. Russo is widely recognized for translating basic science into scalable digital and community-based health interventions with real-world impact. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science, and a Senior Fellow of Massey College.
For more information, see our website: https://www.cirmmt.org/en/events/distinguished-lectures/1-feb-2027-labbe-russo
Thank you to our partners:
McGill, UdeM, UdeS, ÉTS, FRQ, and CFI
*Veuillez noter que cette conférence se déroulera en anglais.
This Distinguished Lecture will take place in Tanna Schulich Hall (527 Sherbrooke O) and will be followed by a catered reception in the Elizabeth Wirth Music Building lobby.
This event is free and open to the public and no registration is required for this event.
Abstract
For many years, my research has focused on how machine learning can better support fundamentally human creative activities in music and art. Working closely with creators—including musicians, instrument designers, artists, and children—has shown me that creative practice requires us to think differently about what ML is good for, how data functions within today's AI systems, and how to build ML tools for creative and critical uses. For instance, I'll discuss how ML can foster embodied engagement in design, expand who can participate in creative practices with technology, and underpin completely new types of creative work. Along the way, I'll show how creative practices with ML invite us to understand training data as an expression of choices, priorities, and values—and how working with data and models can challenge, surprise, and ultimately change us.
Biographies
Aaron Labbé is the CTO and co-founder of LUCID, an audio technology and digital health company transforming music into medicine. He first conceived LUCID in 2015 during his thesis research at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he explored music as a scalable tool for mental health. LUCID’s breakthrough innovation, Resonance Rx, is an FDA-registered, Medicare-reimbursed software medical device and one of the first music-based therapies available by prescription globally. As a guest lecturer, speaker, and Forbes technology writer, Aaron's work explores how AI, music, and technology can expand human potential. His ideas and creative work have reached international audiences, with exhibitions and presentations at institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, Sónar Barcelona, and Xebec Hall in Kobe, Japan.
Frank A. Russo, PhD, is the CSO of LUCID and Professor of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he directs the SMART Lab and serves as Scientific Director of the SingWell Project. His research explores how music and sound shape the brain, with a focus on aging, hearing, emotion, and social connection. Integrating neuroscience, psychology, and rehabilitation science, his work uses neuroimaging, physiological biomarkers, and community-based interventions to examine how music can reduce stress, support communication, and promote brain health. Dr. Russo is widely recognized for translating basic science into scalable digital and community-based health interventions with real-world impact. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science, and a Senior Fellow of Massey College.
For more information, see our website: https://www.cirmmt.org/en/events/distinguished-lectures/1-feb-2027-labbe-russo
Thank you to our partners:
McGill, UdeM, UdeS, ÉTS, FRQ, and CFI
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Where is it happening?
527 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC, Canada, Quebec H3A1E3
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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