Oral History of John Chowning

Dr. John Chowning, is a pioneering composer and the inventor of FM synthesis. In this interview, Chowning details his key foundational ‘aha' moments, including using recursive structures in his 1977 composition Stria and accidentally discovering frequency modulation while researching quadraphonic audio spatialization. He describes the grueling, nocturnal nature of early timeshared computing at Stanford, which ultimately led to the founding of the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics.  Chowning reflects on his diverse musical trajectory, ranging from a childhood fascination with cave reverberation and playing jazz drums in the Navy to studying under Nadia Boulanger in Paris. Furthermore, he explores the massive commercial success and democratizing impact of the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer derived from his licensed patent, his work with the powerful Samson Box, and his eventual triumph over institutional skepticism within the traditional Stanford University music faculty department. Interviewed by Dag Spicer on 2026-02-10 © Computer History Museum Note: Transcripts represent what was said in the interview. However, to enhance meaning or add clarification, interviewees have the opportunity to modify this text afterward. This may result in discrepancies between the transcript and the video. Please refer to the transcript for further information - http://www.computerhistory.org/collec... Catalog number: 300000262 Acquisition number: 2026.0032