Nolan Gasser

Nolan Gasser is an American author, composer, musicologist, pianist, and jazz pianist. He is best known for being the chief architect of Pandora Radio's Music Genome Project and for his work on the musical theory behind Pandora's data model. He is also the author of the book "Why You Like It: The Science and Culture of Musical Taste."

The Music Genome Project is a musical database and recommendation system that powers the popular music streaming service Pandora Radio. It was developed by Nolan Gasser and his team at Pandora to analyze the musical characteristics of songs and create personalized radio stations based on a user's preferences. The Music Genome Project categorizes songs based on hundreds of musical attributes, allowing for more precise recommendations.

"Why You Like It" is a book written by Nolan Gasser that explores the science and cultural factors behind individual musical taste. The book delves into topics such as the role of musical preferences in identity formation, the neurological basis of musical enjoyment, and the ways in which culture and personal experiences shape musical taste. Gasser combines his background in musicology and his experience with the Music Genome Project to provide insights into the complex world of musical taste.

Nolan Gasser has a diverse background in music. He holds a Ph.D. in musicology from Stanford University, where he specialized in the history and analysis of 20th-century music. He is also trained as a composer and pianist, having studied composition at the Juilliard School. Gasser has composed music for a variety of ensembles and genres, including orchestral, chamber, choral, and jazz.

In addition to his work on the Music Genome Project and his book "Why You Like It," Nolan Gasser has been involved in various other musical projects. He has served as a musicologist for television and film productions, providing expertise on music from different periods and genres. Gasser has also been a guest lecturer and panelist on topics related to music and technology. Furthermore, he continues to compose music and perform as a pianist, both as a solo artist and with other musicians.