Marian Zazeela is an American musician and sound artist who emerged from the 1960s experimental music scene as a founding member of Theatre of Eternal Music, a pioneering collective that explored sustained tones, just intonation, and immersive sonic environments. Her work challenged conventional approaches to composition and performance, establishing foundations for minimalist and ambient music aesthetics that would influence electronic music for decades to come.
Zazeela's practice centers on the creation of long-duration, drone-based compositions that prioritize timbral exploration and harmonic purity. Her contributions to experimental music theory and her collaborative approach to sound design have made her a significant figure in the development of drone and ambient music traditions, with her influence evident in contemporary electronic and experimental music practices.