The Pauline Oliveros Foundation was founded in 1985 to support new artistic works, to advance research in arts technology, and to use the arts for educational purposes and personal growth. As a resource center, the Foundation provided equipment, technical assistance, and residencies for artists utilizing computers and technology in their work.

In 1996, the Foundation setup their own recording label, Deep Listening. This year also saw the purchase of a building at 65-73 Broadway in Kingston, NY. It served as offices, a store front, and gallery space. The Deep Listening Sound Studio was equipped to produce recording projects and broadcast radio and webcast concerts. The building was sold in 2006.

In 2005, the foundation was reorganized as the Deep Listening Institute.

In 2014, a resolution was passed for the organization to become the Center for Deep Listening at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Pauline Oliveros, 1932-2016, was an experimental music composer who founded the concept of Deep Listening. She was a Professor of Music at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Oliveros pioneered mixed-media music compositions in the 1960s now considered formative works in early electronic music. She is also credited with developing New Age meditation music. She performed individually as well as collaboratively with the Deep Listening Band and other artists.