Master of Arts in Media Arts

Application deadlines are specific to degree programs. See our Graduate Admissions page for a list of all deadlines.

The MA in Media Arts strives to develop artists and technologists committed to expanding the boundaries of artistic expression through digital media. This is a multi-disciplinary program integrating music, engineering, technology, and art.

Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Media Arts requires a minimum of 36 credits. Coursework to include:

Media Arts:

  • Graduate Seminar in the History of Performing Arts Technology
  • Research Methods in Performing Arts Technology
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Elective areas of study include:

  • Interactive media design
  • Music technology
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Music performance with electronics
  • New interfaces for musical expression
  • Sound and video art installation
  • Acoustic and electro-acoustic music composition
  • Sound engineering
  • Software design for music and audio
  • Psychoacoustics
  • Sound for Film cognate courses
  • Creative coding
  • MOCAP interaction design
  • Digital fabrication for acoustics
  • Immersive media
  • Dialogue of the senses

Final Project:

Thesis Candidates complete a comprehensive thesis that usually consists of two parts: a technology-enhanced performance of original work and a written thesis that documents the performance.

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

Associate Professor of Music
Performing Arts Technology

Michael Gurevich

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

Zeynep Özcan

Assistant Professor of Music, PAT
Performing Arts Technology

Chris Vrenna

Assistant Professor of Music
Performing Arts Technology

Julie Zhu

President Postdoctoral Fellow/ Assistant Professor
Carillon, Harpsichord, Organ

Brehm Technology Suite

Serving as the community hub for PAT students, faculty, and collaborators, this concentrated suite of technologically-rich facilities has had a transformative effect on the PAT Department—building community and supporting a broad range of creative activities.

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.

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Apply Now

Most applications for Fall 2025 are due by December 1, 2024 - check for exact dates on the appropriate admissions page below.

Program Costs, Financial Aid & Scholarships

Explore the many options available to make Michigan an affordable choice.

 

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