The NYU Music Experience Design Lab (MusEDLab) is a globally recognized research, design, and learning innovation studio that develops creative technologies and experiences to support music, arts, and cultural learning, creativity, and engagement across the lifespan. Based at NYU Shanghai, the Lab collaborates with educators, students, artists, nonprofits, and industry partners around the world. Its work spans creative app development, immersive educational tools, participatory design, and curriculum innovation, with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Through widely used tools like Groove Pizza, Variation Playgrounds, and Play With Your Music, the MusEDLab has reached millions of learners and educators globally, supporting communities in the U.S. & Canada, Central America, Europe, and Asia through culturally responsive and research-driven initiatives.
NYU Music Experience Design Lab
About MusEDLab
Music, learning & creative possibility. A research, design and learning innovation studio based at NYU Shanghai.
Designing for musical participation
Work with us
Our portfolio of services
- Creative experience, learning, and curriculum design
- Creative web application development (WebAudio, WebMIDI, Interactive visualizations)
- Creative arts workshops for kids and novices of all ages
- Professional development workshops for educators and teaching artists
- Interactive physical/digital product and installations
- Educational website development
- Educational research and evaluation
Get in touch to learn more and inquire about our services.
Our history
The MusEDLab also serves as a creative incubator for student projects across NYU's Global Network of campuses. The MusEDLab was founded in September 2013 by S. Alex Ruthmann. Since 2019, the Lab is housed within the NYU Shanghai Program on Creativity and Innovation.
Browse the project archive → · Read publications and press →
Watch & explore
Supported by NYU Shanghai and MusEDLab.