The UCSD Center for Research in Computing and the Arts (CRCA) collection documents the activities of the experimental music and computer-based music research unit between 1972-1993.

The Project for Music Experiment, funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, opened in 1972 under the direction of UCSD professor Roger Reynolds. In 1973, the project became an organized research unit at the University of California, San Diego and was re-named the Center for Music Experiment (CME). Although autonomous, the Center was monitored by an inter-departmental advisory board with UCSD Music Department faculty. The director was nominated by the board and appointed by the Chancellor for terms up to five years. The Center was designed as a performance, composition, and a technological research space for innovations with digital computer music. The Center also facilitated the Studio for Extended Performance, the Extended Vocal Techniques Ensemble (EVTE), and the KIVA Improvisation Ensemble. In 1977, under the direction of Pauline Oliveros, CME received additional funding for a computer music facility designed to integrate technology and research into both the graduate and undergraduate curriculum. Notable faculty included Will Ogden, Robert Erickson, Pauline Oliveros, Harry Partch, Kenneth Gaburo, Thomas Nee, James Campbell, Bernard Rands, and John Silber. In 1991, the UC Regents approved the change of name from CME to CRCA - the Center for Research in Computing and the Arts.

3.6 Linear feet (8 archives boxes and 1 card file box)