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Girls in Music & Technology

Ten Day Summer Program

The MPulse Girls in Music and Technology (GiMaT) program is an in-person day camp designed to encourage participation of girls in activities at the intersection of music and technology. GiMaT participation is open to all genders and offers the hands-on opportunity to learn creative technologies with faculty from the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance Department of Performing Arts Technology. Students do not need to bring any equipment to the camp unless they choose to. All the equipment and necessary software will be provided throughout the camp. Each student will have their individual audio workstation which features an Ableton Push, Max 8, a MIDI keyboard, an audio interface, a headphone amp, a Makey Makey Kit, and more.

Those participating in the MPulse GiMaT program will engage in classes and programs addressing, but not limited to, the following subjects:

  • Electronic music composition
  • Historical perspectives on electronic music and female electronic music pioneers
  • Introduction to music production with Ableton Live
  • Computer programming for music: introduction to MAX MSP and Sound Synthesis
  • Electronic musical instrument design with Makey Makey
  • Live performance with electronics
  • Weekly showcase of student works
  • Meeting with guest artists and researchers in the field
  • Introduction to audio programming and creative coding

Dates: TBA
Tuition (day program, lunch provided): TBA

Application Status: Opening November 1st
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $75

Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2024*
Priority Admissions Notification: March 1, 2024

*Applications will remain open until all spots are filled in the program. Please check the application status above to see if we are still accepting applications on a rolling basis.  Rolling basis applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis following the priority application.

Apply Now

On This Page

Production monitors and equipment are in the foreground, with a small audience and screen in the background.

“Music and Technology Camp Takes Aim at the Issue of Gender Imbalance“

Article from Michigan Muse Winter 2023, “The Intersection of Technology and the Performing Arts”

Faculty

Zeynep Özcan

Zeynep Özcan

Assistant Professor of Performing Arts Technology, Institute Faculty Director

Zeynep Özcan is an electronic music composer, educator, singer, and author. She holds a Ph.D. in Music, an M.A. in History of Architecture, and a B.A. in Philosophy. As a multidisciplinary researcher, her practice lies at the intersection of art and technology, where she explores biologically inspired musical creativity, sonification, and interactive experiences. Her works have been performed and presented throughout the world in concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. As an educator, she is passionate about building multicultural and collaborative learning environments and promoting community education. Read more about Özcan on her website.

Program Sample Schedule & Activities

Program Schedule
Weekdays: 9:30- 4:00 pm
Lunch break: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Showcase: Every Friday 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Camp Activities
Field recording, introduction to sound recording, soundwalk, electronic music composition, music production with Ableton Live, introduction to audio programming with Max, introduction to mixing, introduction to sound spatialization, introduction to lighting design for music performance, live performance, sound installation, and much more.

Eligibility & Application Requirements

Eligibility

GiMaT is open to students of all genders entering grades 9 (nine) through 12 (twelve) in the Fall of 2025. Experience with music, computer programming, or music software is not required, but will be beneficial.

Application Requirements

Short Essay

Your essay can be any length as long as it addresses all of these topics:

  • Who are you and what do you like about music?
  • Why do you want to participate in the camp?
  • Which activities you are looking forward to?
  • Why do you think it is important to expand opportunities for women and girls and non-binary in music technology?
  • Name an inspirational woman (past or present) who has worked with technology and music and explain why you find her to be inspiring.

Prior Experience

Students with no prior experience and knowledge of music technology are especially encouraged to apply. If you have any, describe your prior experience in any of the following areas (this does not need to be in a paragraph format).

Scholarships

Merit Awards

A limited number of scholarships are available for extremely talented students based on Faculty discretion. Consideration for these scholarships is automatic for applications received by the priority application deadline.

Need-Based Awards

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $125,000 or under in the previous calendar year, or with special circumstances due to the pandemic or family size/special circumstances. To be considered you must upload your financial aid materials by the application deadline as part of your application.  This includes:

  • Monthly Expenses
  • Previous Year’s Tax Return
  • Statement of Need

Watson Scholarship (For Michigan Residents Only)

In the spirit of the life of a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School (1942) and Michigan physician, the Watson A. Young Scholarship promotes academic excellence and college aspiration among students with financial need. These need-based scholarships support middle and high school students’ participation in summer opportunities at U-M that seek to develop students’ interests and abilities in academic disciplines and expose students to the experiences and possibilities provided by higher education.

Watson Scholarship Application

Highlights from Previous Camps

List of guest speakers from previous camps:

Images and Videos: Found here.

GiMaT on the radio!
GiMaT students’ compositions from their first showcase played on 88.3 WCBN FM Ann Arbor.

GiMaT on the Maker Music Festival 2023!
GiMaT will have a building at the  Maker Music Festival 2023 where we will showcase student works from the second showcase of the camp.

Questions?

MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institutes
Office of Engagement & Outreach-Youth & Adult Programs
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Stearns Building │ 2005 Baits Drive │ Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Phone: (734) 936-2660
Email: [email protected]