"Thomas Dolby admits to thriving in environments where he experiences a loss of control, finding his creative juices flow more abundantly under such circumstances, and discussing his studio adventures and influencing new artists."
Blunt Talk with Thomas Dolby: Musings on Synths, Students, and the Pixelated Future
Thomas Dolby, a multitalented maestro, currently nestled in Baltimore, Maryland, serves as a Professor of Music for New Media at Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Institute. This position, he's taught since Fall 2014, sees him inspiring young composers, urging them to creatively leap into the world of film, game, virtual reality, and video game music[1].
Dolby's students embody a generation that embraces technology wholeheartedly. They're fans of Studio Ghibli, How to Train Your Dragon, and a plethora of niche video games he's unfamiliar with. The new wave of artists reveres modern pioneers such as Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Göransson, while also admiring classic 20th-century film composers like John Williams and Bernard Herrmann[1].
When it comes to the students' tech-fueled creations, Dolby ponders whether they may be skimping on the hard work he and others put in during their time. Acknowledging the barriers to entry have crumbled, he welcomes the lower costs and accessibility, yet laments the convenience often being his top priority. To strike a balance, he puts restrictions on his students, curbing access to technology and encouraging spontaneous composing[1].
Dolby's musical journey commenced with a humble Wurlitzer electric piano, transitioning to the Solina String Ensemble, the inner workings of a Transcendent 2000 kit synth, the Mini Moog, a Fender Rhodes, and the Roland JP4 and JP8[1]. He holds the PPG in high regard, finding it unique and an exploration device. The Fairlight was another fascination, being the first device to make a record and wasn't limited by presets[1].
Technological advancements have always sparked Dolby's creativity, taking him on a musical odyssey that extended to the realm of MTV videos, production, and the digital domain[1]. His touring days haven't ceased, and he recently penned his debut novel[1].
When asked about the current technological landscape, Dolby remains undeterred, expressing optimism about the upcoming generation who'll explore the new technologies, bringing creativity and positivity to the world[1]. His focus on his students underscores a belief in their potential to push boundaries and use technology for good[1].
Being part of the legendary Grammy's synthesizer medley in 1985, alongside artists like Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder, opened doors for electronic music in America[1]. Dolby jests that the USA tends to be slower in adapting to new trends, contrasting with the rapid integration of new ideas and culture in the UK[1].
The Roland TB-303 was one of the instruments Dolby used during that iconic performance[1]. When quizzed about today's captivating technologies, he remarks that AI particularly intrigues him[1]. AI, Dolby believes, has the potential to endow electronic instruments with consciousness and enable them to work interdependently[1]. He also ponders the possibility of an age where anyone can create art through AI, echoing the thought that it'll be like having training wheels due to human input[1]. However, Dolby ultimately emphasizes the need for artists to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve[1].
[1] MusicRadar, 2025[2] The Peabody Institute, 2025
Technology continues to fuel Dolby's creative pursuits, leading him to explore realms beyond music, such as education and self-development at Johns Hopkins University. His students, immersed in both entertainment like Studio Ghibli and niche video games, as well as music from contemporary composers like Hans Zimmer and classic film composers, demonstrate the seamless integration of technology into their artistic creations.
The fusion of technology and music, according to Dolby, presents a unique opportunity for the upcoming generation to leverage innovative tools and create art that pushes boundaries and brings creativity and positivity to the world.
