Bachelor of Science in Sound Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Sound Engineering prepares students for engineering careers in the music technology industry—designing, developing, and testing audio hardware and software—as well as careers in acoustical engineering, sound recording, and studio production. Applicants should have a high level of proficiency on an acoustic instrument; experience with music recording and production technologies; and demonstrated aptitude and strong achievement in mathematics, physics, and computer programming.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Sound Engineering requires a minimum of 120 credits, including 12 in math, 10 in physics, and 20 in engineering. The engineering courses required for the degree fulfill a Minor in Electrical Engineering through the College of Engineering.

SMTD coursework to include:

  • Computer Music Composition and Arranging
  • Sound Recording and Production
  • Electronic Music History and Theory Creative Coding
  • SMTD Music Theory and Musicology Core
  • Advanced Studio Production I and II
  • Technical Ear Training and Critical Listening Sound Reinforcement

Additional coursework:

  • Three Semesters of Calculus / Differential Equations Physics
  • Engineering Courses in Digital Signal Processing, Circuits, and Computer Programming

Silent Advisor

Degree requirements and term-by-term layout for current students.

Faculty


Jason Corey

Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of Music
Performing Arts Technology

John Granzow

Chair of Performing Arts Technology (Fall 2022) and Associate Professor of Music

Alvin Hill

SMTD Events & Instructional Technology Manager and Adjunct Lecturer

Sile O’Modhrain

Chair of Performing Arts Technology and Associate Professor of Music
Performing Arts Technology

Zeynep Özcan

Assistant Professor of Music, PAT
Performing Arts Technology

Julie Zhu

President Postdoctoral Fellow/ Assistant Professor
Carillon, Harpsichord, Organ

Performance Opportunities

From large ensembles in celebrated concert halls to chamber groups in intimate recital spaces, performance opportunities across all disciplines abound, with nearly 900 student performances each academic year. Whether your focus is on early, classical, or contemporary music, whether your passion is for jazz, electronic, or world music, there is an ensemble—or in many cases, multiple ensembles—to suit your interests, including specific opportunities for percussion, piano, and organ & carillon. For students in theatre & drama, musical theatre, dance, and opera, opportunities abound in both professionally produced and student-run presentations.

Organ

Organ Performance

Students perform and study with their peers in studio classes and perform for the public in solo student recitals and studio recitals. In addition, the Organ Department organizes several recitals each term in local churches in the communities surrounding Ann Arbor and Detroit.

Carillon

Carillon Performance

The University of Michigan has two world-class carillons. Half-hour recitals are given on weekdays throughout the academic year and are open to the public to view. Intermediate and advanced carillon students may perform for the campus regularly on these recitals.

Early Music Ensembles

Early Music Ensembles

Students interested in historically oriented performance have opportunities to explore music from across the centuries, performed on authentic period instruments and high-quality replicas.

Ensembles

Ensembles

Organ students have opportunities to perform with the University of Michigan orchestras, bands, and choral ensembles, and can gain extensive experience in continuo playing on organ and harpsichord with the Baroque Chamber Orchestra.

Questions?