To further complement its popular existing music program, the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is offering a new innovative Music Technology degree program. The Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology is designed to empower the next generation of musicians and artists with innovative tools and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of the music industry.
As recognized by the University of Maine System (UMS) Board of Trustees January 29 meeting, UMA is the only UMS university physically equipped with the recording facility space and associated technology needed to deliver a program of this kind. Notwithstanding, the program enjoys the full support of every other university in the System, including the School of Computing and Information Science at the University of Maine (UMaine), which houses the Bachelor of Arts in New Media, as well as the University of Maine at Farmington’s (UMF) Division of the Arts. UMA Music Technology students will have access to three UMF Music courses, and UMaine will offer its upper-level New Media coursework to those students as well.
In an age where technology is reshaping every facet of our lives, UMA recognizes the importance of integrating these advancements into music education. The Music Technology program at UMA is set to redefine traditional music education by providing students with a comprehensive curriculum that merges musical artistry with cutting-edge technological expertise. As with other music programs at UMA, the Music Technology courses can be completed online, in person, or in a hybrid format (combination of online and face-to-face).
“At UMA, we believe in preparing our students not just for today’s music industry, but for the future. This new program is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in music education and in preparing students with the appropriate technical skills to succeed,” said Dr. Anita Jerosch, Associate Professor of Music and Music Program Coordinator.
The program is structured to equip students with a diverse set of skills, ranging from music production and sound engineering to digital composition and interactive performance. Utilizing UMA’s facilities and industry-standard software, students will have hands-on experience in creating, producing, recording, and using audio electronics for various fields of music business.
A key highlight of the music programs at UMA is its emphasis on collaboration. In addition to course collaboration with other UMS universities, students have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects, collaborating with peers from various disciplines such as business, education, and sociology to mirror the real-world scenarios that musicians face today. Similar to other existing music students at UMA, collaboration is also experienced online with course projects and opportunities for online participation in a variety of ensembles from Rock to Classical and everything in between.
The faculty at UMA’s Music program bring a wealth of industry experience to the classroom. “Students are learning from the best, gaining insights into the latest trends and technologies shaping the music industry. I’m very proud of the expertise UMA brings in its music faculty which ranges from audio engineering to hip-hop mixing to immersive 3-D audio,” said Joseph Szakas, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at UMA.
UMA’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in the program’s flexibility. Whether students are aspiring producers, sound designers, or interactive media artists, the Music Technology Program caters to a broad spectrum of interests within the realm of music and technology. For more information, visit uma.edu/musictech.
UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs. For more information, please explore uma.edu.