Performing arts technologyCreative portfolioInterview
Program Recognition
•BFA Performing Arts Technology is an undergraduate music degree pathway in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
•SMTD publishes this exact degree or applied-area option in its current undergraduate catalog and admission requirements.
Training
•The curriculum combines university study with conservatory-level studio, musicianship, ensemble, and performance work.
•Every Performing Arts Technology degree requires the submission of a portfolio by December 1, and subsequent interview with the Performing Arts Technology faculty.
Performance & Productions
•Live Online or In-Person Interview Requirements
•Applicants who advance are evaluated by SMTD faculty through the format and repertoire rules published for Performing Arts Technology.
Degree Flexibility
•Students apply through the Common Application and complete an SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and area.
•The December 1 Artistic Profile deadline applies to first-year undergraduate SMTD applicants for Fall 2027.
•BFA Performing Arts Technology is an undergraduate music degree pathway in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
•SMTD publishes this exact degree or applied-area option in its current undergraduate catalog and admission requirements.
Training
•The curriculum combines university study with conservatory-level studio, musicianship, ensemble, and performance work.
•Every Performing Arts Technology degree requires the submission of a portfolio by December 1, and subsequent interview with the Performing Arts Technology faculty.
Performance & Productions
•Live Online or In-Person Interview Requirements
•Applicants who advance are evaluated by SMTD faculty through the format and repertoire rules published for Performing Arts Technology.
Degree Flexibility
•Students apply through the Common Application and complete an SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and area.
•The December 1 Artistic Profile deadline applies to first-year undergraduate SMTD applicants for Fall 2027.
Program Highlights
Program Recognition
•BFA Performing Arts Technology is an undergraduate music degree pathway in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
•SMTD publishes this exact degree or applied-area option in its current undergraduate catalog and admission requirements.
Training
•The curriculum combines university study with conservatory-level studio, musicianship, ensemble, and performance work.
•Every Performing Arts Technology degree requires the submission of a portfolio by December 1, and subsequent interview with the Performing Arts Technology faculty.
Performance & Productions
•Live Online or In-Person Interview Requirements
•Applicants who advance are evaluated by SMTD faculty through the format and repertoire rules published for Performing Arts Technology.
Degree Flexibility
•Students apply through the Common Application and complete an SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and area.
•The December 1 Artistic Profile deadline applies to first-year undergraduate SMTD applicants for Fall 2027.
•Every Performing Arts Technology degree requires the submission of a portfolio by December 1, and subsequent interview with the Performing Arts Technology faculty.
•All applicants are required to submit a portfolio consisting of the following six items. For each of items 4–7, provide an additional paragraph that describes the equipment, software tools, and techniques used, as well as your motivation for the work. For collaborative work, clearly indicate what your specific contributions were. All sound files must be uncompressed stereo audio 16-bit resolution with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz (CD quality).
•Please disclose and describe any generative AI tools (including translation) used in creating any of the portfolio items. For items 1–3, include a brief statement on AI use at the end of each item. For items 4–7, discuss any AI tools you used in your paragraph description of each piece.
•Write a personal statement (300 words maximum) describing your reasons for choosing to pursue studies in Performing Arts Technology. Discuss what you hope to gain that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to, as well as what your unique contributions to the PAT community would be.
•Describe in detail (300 words maximum) a ‘dream project’ you would like to accomplish during your time in the PAT program. In your response, consider how the project aligns with your long-term aspirations in music and the field of performing arts technology. Discuss specific classes, skills, or features of the program that would enable you to go beyond your current abilities to accomplish this project. Feel free to speculate on the future of music, envision your purpose within that future, and explore how you might push the boundaries of what is possible with current technology.
•Provide a sample essay (300 words maximum) that responds to either TransCraniumExpress by Kyle Bruckmann or [minipops 67 \[120.2\]\[source field mix\]](youtu.be by Aphex Twin. Whichever piece you select, describe your response to hearing the piece, and what features of the music you think prompted that particular response. Describe the aesthetic and technical qualities of the piece that distinguish it from other music you have heard, or that relate it to other music with which you are familiar.
•A recording of you performing on a traditional acoustic instrument or voice, preferably with other instruments
•A remix, arrangement, interpretation, or cover version of one of the following pieces:
•Vulfpeck – Simple Step
•Zap Mama – Miss Q’n
•And 7. Pick two additional items from the following list:
•A recording of an original composition (two to five minutes long) for any combination of electronic and/or acoustic instruments and digital sounds. If the composition has a notated score, please include it. Applicants may include two contrasting compositions to fulfill items 6 and 7;
•After a preliminary review of portfolios, a select number of applicants will be invited for interviews. This will consist of a 15-minute interview with several of the Performing Arts Technology faculty. Interviewees are asked to be prepared to discuss their portfolio materials.
•Here is a current list of free Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) that you are welcome to utilize for any pre-screening submissions:
•BFA Performing Arts Technology is an undergraduate music degree pathway in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
•SMTD publishes this exact degree or applied-area option in its current undergraduate catalog and admission requirements.
Training
•The curriculum combines university study with conservatory-level studio, musicianship, ensemble, and performance work.
•Every Performing Arts Technology degree requires the submission of a portfolio by December 1, and subsequent interview with the Performing Arts Technology faculty.
Performance & Productions
•Live Online or In-Person Interview Requirements
•Applicants who advance are evaluated by SMTD faculty through the format and repertoire rules published for Performing Arts Technology.
Degree Flexibility
•Students apply through the Common Application and complete an SMTD Artistic Profile for the selected degree and area.
•The December 1 Artistic Profile deadline applies to first-year undergraduate SMTD applicants for Fall 2027.
