CCAC to host a series of national speakers on the history and evolution of digital music

Published August 24, 2026

CCAC will host a music speaker series exploring the "Evolution Behind the Digital Music Revolution." The six-part program will begin Sept. 9 and feature an impressive lineup of national music industry professionals.

The events will be held in the Foerster Student Services Center Auditorium on CCAC's Main Campus on Ridge Avenue in the Northside from 5 to 6 p.m. throughout the fall 2026 semester and are free and open to the public (see the full schedule listed below).

Presented by the CCAC Music Technology program in collaboration with Marc Finer, a national music industry expert and founder of Communication Research Inc., the series will trace the evolution of digital music technology and its impact on how music is created, marketed and consumed. The lectures will cover important milestones in music technology, providing attendees with valuable perspective on the past, present and future of the music industry.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community and music technology students to hear from professionals with firsthand knowledge of how music technology has evolved over the years," said Mark Domencic, CCAC music professor and head of the Humanities Department at Main Campus.

Each one-hour lecture will include a presentation, audience Q&A and interviews with invited guest speakers on select dates. Guest speakers include Maureen Droney, vice president of the Recording Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing in Los Angeles, CA; Gus Skinas, president of the Super Audio Center in Boulder, CO; Chad Kassem, founder and CEO of Acoustic Sounds in Salina, KS and Charles Bock, owner & president, Stereo Barn in Sinking Spring, PA.

"Our music technology curriculum is designed to prepare students to enter a dynamic and ever-changing profession. A lecture series such as this that is both retrospective and forward-looking will help us in our efforts to ensure our students understand not only what came before them, but what lies ahead," said Domencic.

For more information and to register for a lecture, visit the event listings.

The Evolution Behind the Digital Music Revolution Lecture Series

A Collaboration with CCAC Music Department and Marc Finer

Sept. 9: The Dawn of Digital Audio
How PCM and DSD redefined the nature of recording, mixing and mastering.
Special Guest: Gus Skinas, president, Super Audio Center LLC

Sept. 23: The Launch of the Compact Disc
How the CD changed consumers' expectations about listening to music.
Special Guest: Charles Bock, president, Stereo Barn

Oct. 7: Digital Recording and Content Protection
The battle between music creators, labels and consumers over "fair use."

Oct. 21: Digital Processing and Music Reproduction
How MP3, the "loudness wars," HD video and concerts impact the listening experience.

Nov. 11: The Return of Vinyl & Physical Media
A new generation of enthusiasts discovers vinyl, CDs and other physical formats.
Special Guest: Chad Kassem, founder and owner, Acoustic Sounds Inc.

Nov. 18: Stream the Studio
Why high-resolution audio, AI, stems and immersive sound will further disrupt the music industry
Special Guest: Maureen Droney, vice president, Producers & Engineers Wing, Recording Academy