School of Music, Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan
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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

Courses

SMTD offers a wide variety of courses across all disciplines.

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 (Winter 2023) and Associate Professor of Music
Performing Arts Technology

Zeynep Özcan

Assistant Professor of Music, PAT
Performing Arts Technology

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.

Recitals

Recitals

Across all disciplines, students perform and study with their peers in studio classes and perform for the public in solo student recitals and studio recitals.

Collaborative

Collaborative Piano

Collaborative Piano students work with vocalists and instrumentalists throughout SMTD.

Chamber Music

Chamber Music

The thriving chamber music scene at SMTD offers students nearly limitless options to perform, innovate, and collaborate in small, self-driven, and diverse ensembles.

Large Ensembles

Large Ensembles

SMTD ensembles offer numerous concerts each season, performing notable works in the traditional canon as well as abundant newly commissioned works.

Questions?