He intended to become a professor of literature and wrote his thesis on William Burroughs’ use of the cut-up technique. But as a jazz saxophonist, he sat in with Duke Ellington’s musicians, who told him he should seriously pursue music. Studies at Berklee College, then at Darmstadt with Gyorgy Ligeti and Mauricio Kagel, a recording collaboration with Gil Evans, albums with JoAnne Brackeen, Roswell Rudd and Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo and many others are parts of his diverse background. He taught Communications at universities and colleges while leading free jazz, improvising chamber and sound art groups in Toronto. Since the early 1970s, he has wanted bring free jazz and electroacoustic sound together. Kyma is now an important part of his artistic synthesis.