Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Alvin Lucier studied at Yale University and Brandeis University before continuing his education in Rome on a Fulbright scholarship. He gained prominence as a member of the Sonic Arts Union, an influential collective that shaped the landscape of experimental music in the 1960s and 1970s. For several decades, he served as a professor of music at Wesleyan University, where he mentored generations of composers.

Lucier's practice focused on the intersection of science and art, often employing oscillators, microphones, and speakers to reveal the hidden acoustic characteristics of environments. His compositions frequently required performers to interact with the architecture of a space, turning rooms into instruments. His work is characterized by a minimalist approach that emphasizes the listener's perception of sound waves and interference patterns.

Throughout his career, Lucier received significant international recognition for his contributions to sound art and electronic music. His influence persists in contemporary sound studies and experimental performance, with his scores and recordings remaining central to the study of 20th-century avant-garde music.