ABOUT ANNE DEANE BERMAN, PhD
Composer of immersive orchestral, electroacoustic, and narrative-driven works
Anne Deane Berman, PhD (born July 31, 1963) is an internationally performed composer whose work spans orchestral, chamber, vocal, electroacoustic, and immersive media. Her music has been presented in more than 75 venues across 15 countries, including Carnegie Hall, a solo composer concert at the Ojai Music Festival, SIGGRAPH, and the International Computer Music Conference.Her work explores memory, perception, and collective experience through acoustic and digital forms, including virtual reality environments and sensor-based installations developed at institutions such as the University of California, Santa Barbara’s CREATE, Iowa State University's Virtual Reality Applications Center and the UCLA HyperMedia Studio.
Berman is the co-creator of Ashes to Ashes, a groundbreaking musical memorial to September 11, incorporating recorded voices of survivors and witnesses, now preserved in the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Berman is the co-creator of Ashes to Ashes, a groundbreaking musical memorial to September 11, incorporating recorded voices of survivors and witnesses, now preserved in the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Beloved Mnemosyne, Anne Deane Berman, Bill McVicar, Jeff Burke, Photo by Steven Berman
ABOUT DR. STEVEN LEE BERMAN
Dr. Steven Lee Berman (born March 7, 1958) is an engineer, attorney, and systems architect specializing in the design of interdisciplinary innovation ecosystems that bridge education, research, and real-world application. As co-founder of DIGIVATIONS, he has developed programs that integrate STEM, arts, humanities, and narrative-driven learning for students across K–college pathways.
His work focuses on translating complex ideas into experiential learning environments where students engage global challenges through collaboration, storytelling, and applied problem-solving.
As Executive Producer of Ashes to Ashes, he leads the integration of narrative, creative engagement, kinesthetics, technology, and over all program design, enabling performances and residencies that connect artistic practice with historical memory and civic engagement.
Dr. Steven Lee Berman (born March 7, 1958) is an engineer, attorney, and systems architect specializing in the design of interdisciplinary innovation ecosystems that bridge education, research, and real-world application. As co-founder of DIGIVATIONS, he has developed programs that integrate STEM, arts, humanities, and narrative-driven learning for students across K–college pathways.
His work focuses on translating complex ideas into experiential learning environments where students engage global challenges through collaboration, storytelling, and applied problem-solving.
As Executive Producer of Ashes to Ashes, he leads the integration of narrative, creative engagement, kinesthetics, technology, and over all program design, enabling performances and residencies that connect artistic practice with historical memory and civic engagement.
Positive Thinking, Human Cells From UCSB Biology Lab, Projected behind live Flutist
Publications:
Berman, A., Berman, S. "SoundQuest Studios: A Creative Composition Workbook for the UN Sustainable Development Goals" Teacher Guide and Student PLAYBOOKS. DIGIVATIONS™, 2026.
Berman, A., Berman, S. ENERGY INNOVATORS PLAYBOOK Teacher Guide and Student. PLAYBOOKS. DIGIVATIONS™, forthcoming, 2024.
Berman, A., Berman, S. ROCKETRY PLAYBOOK Teacher Guide and Student PLAYBOOKS. DIGIVATIONS™, 2024.
Hambleton, Elizabeth Jean. “Analyzing with Compositional Static Artifacts of MIDI-mediated Mixed-Media Music.” Chapter 5, “Anne Deane Berman Positive Thinking (1993)”. University of California, Santa Barbara, 2020.
Morie, Jacquelyn Ford. Female artists and the VR crucible: expanding the aesthetic vocabulary” University of Southern California, Institute for Creative Technologies, 2008.
Berman, A., Hansen, G. “Proposal to Create New Academic Unit within the College of Engineering: The Technology Management Program”, UCSB’s College of Engineering, 2008.
Berman, A., Hansen, G. “Proposal for Minor in Technology Management within the College of Engineering”, UCSB’s College of Engineering, 2008.
Berman, A., Hansen, G. “Proposal for Revised Instructional Program and Name Change of the Graduate Technology Management Certi"cate within the College of Engineering’s Technology Management Program”, UCSB’s College of Engineering, 2008.
Berman, A., Ed. “Concept to Commerce: Emerging Technologies Energy Summit”, UCSB’s College of Engineering, 2008.
Berman, A. Ed. “Mouse BIRN Atlasing Toolkit Manual”, UCLA’s Laboratory for Neuro Imaging, 2006.
Berman, A. Ed. Various collaborator project descriptions. “NIH P41 Grant Proposal”, UCLA’s Laboratory for Neuro Imaging, 2006.
Berman, A., Ed. S., Yonggang et al. “Direct Cortical Mapping”, NeuroImage, 2006.
Berman, A., Ed. Zhuowen-Tu et al. “Brain Anatomical Structure Parsing by Hybrid Discrimative/ Generative Models.”.
Bailey, David Evans. Ashes to Ashes Work citied: “Synchronous Reality: Place and Memory in Virtual Installation”, Thesis for: Doctor of Philosophy, Auckland University of Technology, 2020.
Sacristan, A. Work Cited in: "Carolina Cruz", Muy Interestante – Entrevista, 2005 http://www.muyinteresante.es/canales/muy_act/entrevi/entrevis36/entrevis.htm
Berman, A., Berman, S., Cruz, C. and Tuch, L. “Virtual Reality and Emotion”, In proceedings, VR International Conference, in conjunction with HCI International 2005, Las Vegas, 2005.
Hinkle-Turner, E. Work cited in: Crossing the Line: Women Composers and Music Technology (volume one: United States forthcoming from Ashgate Press, London).
Miller, C. Work cited in: Digital Storytelling: A Creator's Guide to Interactive Entertainment. Focal Press, an imprint of Elsevier Science, 2004.
Berman, A., “Immersive Sonic Environments.” In Proceedings, International Computer Music Conference, 2004.
Cruz, C., Deane, A., Williams, V., “Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving: Documenting Historical Through Virtual Experiences” presented at the Hawaii International Conference on Arts & Humanities, 2003.
Berman, A. and Berman, S. Documentary: A Portrait: The Making of Ashes to Ashes. Ames, IA 2002.
Deane, A. and Berman, S. compiler and editor, Current Research in Digital Media. Digital Media Innovation Program: Santa Barbara, 2000.
Deane, A. “Review: New Music from the Americas, 3.” Computer Music Journal 21(3), 1997.
Berman, A., Berman, S. "SoundQuest Studios: A Creative Composition Workbook for the UN Sustainable Development Goals" Teacher Guide and Student PLAYBOOKS. DIGIVATIONS™, 2026.
Berman, A., Berman, S. ENERGY INNOVATORS PLAYBOOK Teacher Guide and Student. PLAYBOOKS. DIGIVATIONS™, forthcoming, 2024.
Berman, A., Berman, S. ROCKETRY PLAYBOOK Teacher Guide and Student PLAYBOOKS. DIGIVATIONS™, 2024.
Hambleton, Elizabeth Jean. “Analyzing with Compositional Static Artifacts of MIDI-mediated Mixed-Media Music.” Chapter 5, “Anne Deane Berman Positive Thinking (1993)”. University of California, Santa Barbara, 2020.
Morie, Jacquelyn Ford. Female artists and the VR crucible: expanding the aesthetic vocabulary” University of Southern California, Institute for Creative Technologies, 2008.
Berman, A., Hansen, G. “Proposal to Create New Academic Unit within the College of Engineering: The Technology Management Program”, UCSB’s College of Engineering, 2008.
Berman, A., Hansen, G. “Proposal for Minor in Technology Management within the College of Engineering”, UCSB’s College of Engineering, 2008.
Berman, A., Hansen, G. “Proposal for Revised Instructional Program and Name Change of the Graduate Technology Management Certi"cate within the College of Engineering’s Technology Management Program”, UCSB’s College of Engineering, 2008.
Berman, A., Ed. “Concept to Commerce: Emerging Technologies Energy Summit”, UCSB’s College of Engineering, 2008.
Berman, A. Ed. “Mouse BIRN Atlasing Toolkit Manual”, UCLA’s Laboratory for Neuro Imaging, 2006.
Berman, A. Ed. Various collaborator project descriptions. “NIH P41 Grant Proposal”, UCLA’s Laboratory for Neuro Imaging, 2006.
Berman, A., Ed. S., Yonggang et al. “Direct Cortical Mapping”, NeuroImage, 2006.
Berman, A., Ed. Zhuowen-Tu et al. “Brain Anatomical Structure Parsing by Hybrid Discrimative/ Generative Models.”.
Bailey, David Evans. Ashes to Ashes Work citied: “Synchronous Reality: Place and Memory in Virtual Installation”, Thesis for: Doctor of Philosophy, Auckland University of Technology, 2020.
Sacristan, A. Work Cited in: "Carolina Cruz", Muy Interestante – Entrevista, 2005 http://www.muyinteresante.es/canales/muy_act/entrevi/entrevis36/entrevis.htm
Berman, A., Berman, S., Cruz, C. and Tuch, L. “Virtual Reality and Emotion”, In proceedings, VR International Conference, in conjunction with HCI International 2005, Las Vegas, 2005.
Hinkle-Turner, E. Work cited in: Crossing the Line: Women Composers and Music Technology (volume one: United States forthcoming from Ashgate Press, London).
Miller, C. Work cited in: Digital Storytelling: A Creator's Guide to Interactive Entertainment. Focal Press, an imprint of Elsevier Science, 2004.
Berman, A., “Immersive Sonic Environments.” In Proceedings, International Computer Music Conference, 2004.
Cruz, C., Deane, A., Williams, V., “Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving: Documenting Historical Through Virtual Experiences” presented at the Hawaii International Conference on Arts & Humanities, 2003.
Berman, A. and Berman, S. Documentary: A Portrait: The Making of Ashes to Ashes. Ames, IA 2002.
Deane, A. and Berman, S. compiler and editor, Current Research in Digital Media. Digital Media Innovation Program: Santa Barbara, 2000.
Deane, A. “Review: New Music from the Americas, 3.” Computer Music Journal 21(3), 1997.
Award/Grants:
Yale Model Government Europe, Athens - March 2023 and Brussels - March 2024; $5,000
delegation award, DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation
Yale Model UN, Yale University Certificate - January 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation
Harvard Model UN, Harvard University Certificate - January 2020, 2021, 2022, DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation
WFUNA International Model UN & WIMUN, New York - March 2018, Geneva, Switzerland -
March 2019, DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation
NASA Summer of Innovation Mini-Grant 2012 $2,500 to support workshop related expenses for the DIGIVATIONS™ INSTITUTE’s STEM+ARTS
Workshops in Point Roberts, WA.
NASA Summer of Innovation Mini-Grant, 2011
LEGO Education North America Stipend 2011
PITSCO Education Stipend 2011 $2,200 to support workshop related expenses for the DIGIVATIONS™ INSTITUTE’s Robotics
Residency at McNeil Canyon Elementary School, Homer Alaska.
NASA Summer of Innovation Mini-Grant 2011 $2,500 to support workshop related expenses for the DIGIVATIONS™ INSTITUTE’s STEM+ARTS
Workshops in Point Roberts, WA.
University of California, Office of the President, UC Discovery Opportunity Award 2008 $15,000 to support conference related expenses for the UCSB Emerging Energy Technologies Summit.
British Columbia Innovation Council 2008 $10,000 to support conference related expenses for the UCSB Emerging Energy Technologies
Summit.
AlwaysOn Media Sponsorship 2008 In-kind support for the UCSB Emerging Energy Technologies Summit.
Korn/Ferry International Sponsorship 2008 In-kind support for the UCSB Emerging Energy Technologies Summit.University of California, Los Angeles,
P41 grant proposal National Institute of Health 2006 (editor) Multi-million dollar, “multi-year, multi-institutional grant (700 pages) for the Laboratory of
Neuro Imaging.
University of British Columbia, Visiting Faculty Travel Grants 2004 $550 in support of travel to Miami for the presentation of an accepted paper and performance of Ashes to Ashes at ICMC 2004 (International Computer Music Conference).
Iowa State University, International Travel Grant 2002 and 2003 $975 in support of travel to Sweden for the remounting of Beloved Mnemosyne at ICMC 2002. $50,000 in support of travel and mounting of Ashes to Ashes at Mundo Internet, Spain.
Iowa State University, Humanities Scholarship in the Arts, Summer Salary 2002 $5,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and Computer Animation Environment
Iowa State University, Humanities Scholarship in the Arts, Travel Funds 2002 $1,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and Computer Animation Environment
Iowa State University, Edgar Fund 2001 $1,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and Computer Animation Environment
Iowa State University, SPRIG 2001 $16,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and
Computer Animation Environment
Iowa Arts Council, Department of Cultural Affairs, 2001 $5,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and
Computer Animation Environment
University of California, Santa Barbara Humanities Division, 2000 $1,500 in support for travel and production expenses related to the creation of Beloved Mnemosyne.
University of California, Santa Barbara Department of Music, 2000 $500 in support for travel and production expenses related to the creation of Beloved Mnemosyne.
University of California, 1997 General Affiliates Graduate Dissertation Fellowship
One of "ve recipients of this university-wide fellowship. $3,000 award for Reaching Antares, dissertation for violoncello and orchestra.
ASCAP 1996-04 and 1985 $500 annual grants.
Baroness Léni Fé Bland Foundation Grant 1996 $1,000 award toward solo chamber CD Project.
Alvin and Charlotte Bronstein Scholarship for the Arts, Ojai Festival 1996 $1,000 award toward solo chamber CD Project.
University of California Humanities/Social Sciences Research Grant 1996. $2,000 grant toward solo Chamber CD Project.Page of 8 9
The Esperia Foundation Grant 1995. $2,000 grant toward solo chamber CD Project.
Santa Barbara County Arts Commission/Arts Fund Award 1994. Received the Baroness Léni Fé Bland Award for most talented Santa Barbara composer.
Yale Model Government Europe, Athens - March 2023 and Brussels - March 2024; $5,000
delegation award, DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation
Yale Model UN, Yale University Certificate - January 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation
Harvard Model UN, Harvard University Certificate - January 2020, 2021, 2022, DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation
WFUNA International Model UN & WIMUN, New York - March 2018, Geneva, Switzerland -
March 2019, DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation
NASA Summer of Innovation Mini-Grant 2012 $2,500 to support workshop related expenses for the DIGIVATIONS™ INSTITUTE’s STEM+ARTS
Workshops in Point Roberts, WA.
NASA Summer of Innovation Mini-Grant, 2011
LEGO Education North America Stipend 2011
PITSCO Education Stipend 2011 $2,200 to support workshop related expenses for the DIGIVATIONS™ INSTITUTE’s Robotics
Residency at McNeil Canyon Elementary School, Homer Alaska.
NASA Summer of Innovation Mini-Grant 2011 $2,500 to support workshop related expenses for the DIGIVATIONS™ INSTITUTE’s STEM+ARTS
Workshops in Point Roberts, WA.
University of California, Office of the President, UC Discovery Opportunity Award 2008 $15,000 to support conference related expenses for the UCSB Emerging Energy Technologies Summit.
British Columbia Innovation Council 2008 $10,000 to support conference related expenses for the UCSB Emerging Energy Technologies
Summit.
AlwaysOn Media Sponsorship 2008 In-kind support for the UCSB Emerging Energy Technologies Summit.
Korn/Ferry International Sponsorship 2008 In-kind support for the UCSB Emerging Energy Technologies Summit.University of California, Los Angeles,
P41 grant proposal National Institute of Health 2006 (editor) Multi-million dollar, “multi-year, multi-institutional grant (700 pages) for the Laboratory of
Neuro Imaging.
University of British Columbia, Visiting Faculty Travel Grants 2004 $550 in support of travel to Miami for the presentation of an accepted paper and performance of Ashes to Ashes at ICMC 2004 (International Computer Music Conference).
Iowa State University, International Travel Grant 2002 and 2003 $975 in support of travel to Sweden for the remounting of Beloved Mnemosyne at ICMC 2002. $50,000 in support of travel and mounting of Ashes to Ashes at Mundo Internet, Spain.
Iowa State University, Humanities Scholarship in the Arts, Summer Salary 2002 $5,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and Computer Animation Environment
Iowa State University, Humanities Scholarship in the Arts, Travel Funds 2002 $1,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and Computer Animation Environment
Iowa State University, Edgar Fund 2001 $1,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and Computer Animation Environment
Iowa State University, SPRIG 2001 $16,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and
Computer Animation Environment
Iowa Arts Council, Department of Cultural Affairs, 2001 $5,000 in support of Ashes to Ashes – Dance Driving, An Interactive Immersive Sonic, Dance, and
Computer Animation Environment
University of California, Santa Barbara Humanities Division, 2000 $1,500 in support for travel and production expenses related to the creation of Beloved Mnemosyne.
University of California, Santa Barbara Department of Music, 2000 $500 in support for travel and production expenses related to the creation of Beloved Mnemosyne.
University of California, 1997 General Affiliates Graduate Dissertation Fellowship
One of "ve recipients of this university-wide fellowship. $3,000 award for Reaching Antares, dissertation for violoncello and orchestra.
ASCAP 1996-04 and 1985 $500 annual grants.
Baroness Léni Fé Bland Foundation Grant 1996 $1,000 award toward solo chamber CD Project.
Alvin and Charlotte Bronstein Scholarship for the Arts, Ojai Festival 1996 $1,000 award toward solo chamber CD Project.
University of California Humanities/Social Sciences Research Grant 1996. $2,000 grant toward solo Chamber CD Project.Page of 8 9
The Esperia Foundation Grant 1995. $2,000 grant toward solo chamber CD Project.
Santa Barbara County Arts Commission/Arts Fund Award 1994. Received the Baroness Léni Fé Bland Award for most talented Santa Barbara composer.
Extension/Professional Practice:
Organizing/leading workshops or training sessions: 2013-2023 Student Creative Works, Producer.
2011-Present Professional Development Workshops: DIGIVATIONS INSTITUTE, Facilitator andFaculty.
2008 Emerging Energy Technologies Summit: UCSB, Conference Design Partner, A gathering of more 400 academics, investors, policy makers and entrepreneurs designed to provide market and technical insight, business and investor relationships and economic and political influence necessary for entrepreneurially minded business leaders and policy makers.
2002 Iowa Composers Forum Conference: Ames, Co-Chair, A gathering of over 100 composers and performers from throughout the state of Iowa, presenting concerts, workshops and masterclasses.
1976-2002 The Walden School for Young Composers, Board member, Faculty, StudentThe Walden School inspires artistic expression and personal growth through experiential music programs.
2001 DIGIVATIONS™ Global Technology and Content Conference, Co-Chair, A gathering of over 200 convergence Industry Technology Leadership and Strategists, Creative Talent, Venture Capitalists and Visionaries with leading University of California research faculty from all nine UC campuses and the three national labs. Presented in Association with the Red Herring. Co-developed the conference content (program, website, speakers, etc.) and participated as a researcher with the installation of Beloved Mnemosye.
1999 Industry-University Technology Workshops & Roundtables, Co-Chair, In addition to designing workshops in Virtual Reality, Telemedicine, and Distance Learning, sponsored a Digital Technology and Content Review, where industry leaders involved in technology commercialization, business development, and research joined selected UC researchers featuring current research in Intelligent Environments, Networking and Visualization.
Serving as a referee for journals, books, grants, exhibitions, etc.:
International Computer Music Association, Reviewer 1998 ICMC Educational Paper Submissions.
American Composers Forum, McKnight Fellowships
Serving as editor for a journal:
Computer Music Journal, MIT Press, Associate Editor, 1997-1999.
Paper sessions and Panels:
Foundation of Digital Games, 2009-10, invited participant
Transformative Media Consortium, 2008-09 invited participant.
Third International Conference on Game Development in Computer Science Education, 2008, invited participant
Second International Conference on Game Development in Computer Science Education, 2007, invited participant
AlwaysOn Stanford Summits, 2006 & 2007, invited participant
BC/Vancouver-Canada-California Participatory Sensing Roundtable, 2007, invited participant
International Conference on Advances in Computer Entertainment Technology, 2006,
International Conference on Human Computer Interaction, 2005, “Virtual Reality and Emotion” participant
International Computer Music Conference, 2004, “Interactive Immersive Environments: A Composer’s Journey”
Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities, 2003, “Documenting Historical Events Through Virtual Experiences”
ITAG Young Scholars Conference, 2002, Speaker on “Music & Technology.”
American College of Dance Festival, University of Northern Iowa, 2002
Authorship Conference, Interdisciplinary Humanities Center, UC Santa Barbara, Round Table, Participant, "Future Models of Authorship: The Digital Age." November, 1998.
Organizing/leading workshops or training sessions: 2013-2023 Student Creative Works, Producer.
2011-Present Professional Development Workshops: DIGIVATIONS INSTITUTE, Facilitator andFaculty.
2008 Emerging Energy Technologies Summit: UCSB, Conference Design Partner, A gathering of more 400 academics, investors, policy makers and entrepreneurs designed to provide market and technical insight, business and investor relationships and economic and political influence necessary for entrepreneurially minded business leaders and policy makers.
2002 Iowa Composers Forum Conference: Ames, Co-Chair, A gathering of over 100 composers and performers from throughout the state of Iowa, presenting concerts, workshops and masterclasses.
1976-2002 The Walden School for Young Composers, Board member, Faculty, StudentThe Walden School inspires artistic expression and personal growth through experiential music programs.
2001 DIGIVATIONS™ Global Technology and Content Conference, Co-Chair, A gathering of over 200 convergence Industry Technology Leadership and Strategists, Creative Talent, Venture Capitalists and Visionaries with leading University of California research faculty from all nine UC campuses and the three national labs. Presented in Association with the Red Herring. Co-developed the conference content (program, website, speakers, etc.) and participated as a researcher with the installation of Beloved Mnemosye.
1999 Industry-University Technology Workshops & Roundtables, Co-Chair, In addition to designing workshops in Virtual Reality, Telemedicine, and Distance Learning, sponsored a Digital Technology and Content Review, where industry leaders involved in technology commercialization, business development, and research joined selected UC researchers featuring current research in Intelligent Environments, Networking and Visualization.
Serving as a referee for journals, books, grants, exhibitions, etc.:
International Computer Music Association, Reviewer 1998 ICMC Educational Paper Submissions.
American Composers Forum, McKnight Fellowships
Serving as editor for a journal:
Computer Music Journal, MIT Press, Associate Editor, 1997-1999.
Paper sessions and Panels:
Foundation of Digital Games, 2009-10, invited participant
Transformative Media Consortium, 2008-09 invited participant.
Third International Conference on Game Development in Computer Science Education, 2008, invited participant
Second International Conference on Game Development in Computer Science Education, 2007, invited participant
AlwaysOn Stanford Summits, 2006 & 2007, invited participant
BC/Vancouver-Canada-California Participatory Sensing Roundtable, 2007, invited participant
International Conference on Advances in Computer Entertainment Technology, 2006,
International Conference on Human Computer Interaction, 2005, “Virtual Reality and Emotion” participant
International Computer Music Conference, 2004, “Interactive Immersive Environments: A Composer’s Journey”
Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities, 2003, “Documenting Historical Events Through Virtual Experiences”
ITAG Young Scholars Conference, 2002, Speaker on “Music & Technology.”
American College of Dance Festival, University of Northern Iowa, 2002
Authorship Conference, Interdisciplinary Humanities Center, UC Santa Barbara, Round Table, Participant, "Future Models of Authorship: The Digital Age." November, 1998.
