Digital Audio Arts

What can I do with a major in Digital Audio Arts

The Concept of Digital Audio Arts is intimately connected to both musical and technological creativity. With a combination of academic courses and hands-on experiences in first-class studios and labs, the program provides students with the requisite knowledge and skills to succeed professionally in fields related to the audio industry. The program takes place in a classical framework.

Students build strong musical skills while mastering a variety of audio-related technologies. Students explore music theory, history, composition, and performance as well as technical and scientific aspects of acoustic science, interactive computer music, computer-assisted composition, audio capture and sound design.

This Bachelor of Music in Digital Audio Arts is the only degree program of its kind in western Canada. Students must submit a portfolio in order to be considered for the program. Visit the Digital Audio Arts Admissions page for details.

Program Planning Skills

Skills

  • Ability to Sense the Mood of Audience
  • Accuracy
  • Creativity
  • Detail Oriented
  • Discerning Ears for Music
  • Effective Communication
  • Excellent Hearing
  • Good Memory
  • Handle Criticism & Rejection
  • Interest in Technology
  • Logical Thinking
  • Patience
  • Research
  • Strong Computer Knowledge
  • Team Player
  • Technical
  • Writing

Work Environment

Digital Audio Arts majors are often employed by local affiliate television stations/networks/broadcast groups, large cable and television networks, independent production companies, documentary or independent filmmakers, advertising agencies, trade shows or convention sponsors, radio and music studios, graphic designers or educational/research institutes. Depending on the student’s interests, they might choose to work in positions related to management, new media, information technology, or arts and theater.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Electro-Acoustic Composition
  • Composition for Film and Video
  • Audio Engineering
  • Production
  • Integrated and Collaborative Media
  • Technology in Education
  • Research in Audio Spatialization and Computational Models

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Assistant Music Researcher
  • Audio Technician
  • Information Coordinator
  • Junior Audio Programmer
  • Junior Lab Specialist –Advance Interactive Audio
  • Music Intern
  • Music Product Associate
  • Music Program Coordinator
  • Music Sales Associate
  • Record Company Marketing
  • Sale Representative

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Accompanist
  • Assistant/Associate Professor
  • Associate Course Director – Advance Audio Workstations
  • Associate Director Audio Business Development
  • Audio & Production Services Manager
  • Audio Archivist
  • Audio Digital Signal Processing Associate
  • Audio Programmer
  • Audio Sales & Marketing
  • Audio System & DSP Engineer
  • Audio-Visual Specialist
  • Broadcast Engineer
  • Collaborative Arts Digital Technology Coordinator
  • Composer/Theorist
  • Computer Music Researcher
  • Coppiest/Arranger
  • Dialog Editor
  • Digital Audio Editor
  • Digital Audio Performer
  • Digital Librarian
  • Digital Music Recording Engineer
  • Disk Jockey (DJ)
  • Faculty Technology Development Specialist
  • Film & TV Sound Designer
  • Film & Video Sound Production
  • Foley Artist (Recorder/Editor)
  • Front of House Audio Engineer
  • Game Music Composer
  • Interactive Sound Designer
  • Lab Specialist, Digital Audio and Theory
  • Live Sound Engineer
  • Location Sound Engineer
  • Lyricist
  • Mastering Engineer
  • Media Production
  • Music Arranger
  • Music Columnist/Critic
  • Music Copyright Manager
  • Music Editor
  • Music Journalist
  • Music Production Coordinator
  • Music Service Manager
  • Music Teacher/Instructor
  • Music Therapist
  • Musical Instrument Builder and Repairer
  • Musician
  • Orchestrator
  • Postproduction Audio Engineer
  • Private Music Teacher
  • Re-Recording Mixer
  • Recording Engineer/ Technician
  • Scoring Mixer
  • Software Tester Pro Audio
  • Sound Consultant
  • Sound Designer
  • Sound Mixer
  • Sound Technician

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Artist Manager
  • Arts Office Administrators
  • Digital Designer
  • Digital Content Marketing Specialist
  • Interactive Marketing
  • Network Operation Supervisor
  • Program Coordinator (Audio Digital Film and Photo)
  • Promotions
  • Publicist
  • Senior Digital Metrics Analyst
  • Studio Manager
  • Video Maintenance Technician
  • Videographer/Technical Coordinator

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.