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Conducting Audio’s Future

A Department Fusing Technology and Artistry

The Department of Sound Arts and Engineering (SAE) brings together two of the University of Rochester’s world-class schools–the Eastman School of Music and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences–to form an integrated department that advances research, education, creative practice, and public engagement at the nexus of sound, technology, and the musical arts.

SAE unites Hajim programs (the Bachelor of Science in Audio and Music Engineering and the Bachelor of Arts in Audio Arts and Technology) with Eastman’s Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media, which houses the Master of Music in Contemporary Media/Film Composition.

The department also serves as the academic home to faculty engaged in the SoundSpace transdisciplinary initiative.

Learn More About SAE

Master’s Programs

Students aiming to advance their careers and deepen their research and practice can continue their education under the guidance of Eastman and Hajim faculty.

  • Electrical Engineering (MS) with a music acoustics and signal processing concentration

    Offered through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, this research-oriented program offers electives in machine learning for audio, digital signal processing, electronics, immersive sound, and audio/music software.

    Learn More About the MS
  • Contemporary Media/Film Composition (MM)

    Offered through the Beal Institute for Film Music & Contemporary Media, our practice- oriented curriculum includes courses in film and video game scoring, history and analysis of film music, conducting, contemporary styles composition, digital programming, arranging for the recording studio, participation in ensembles, and a media composition forum.

    Learn More About the MM

Doctoral Programs

Our doctoral programs empower students to be leaders, pursue their academic and professional passions, and model partnerships with educational, civic, cultural, health, and business communities.

Offered through the Hajim School Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering:

Offered through the Eastman School of Music:

How to Apply

Ready to lead the future of audio?

Points of Pride

The Department of Sound Arts and Engineering combines the strengths of two University of Rochester schools with outstanding reputations in both music and engineering.

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Learn from Leading Engineers and Musicians

World-Class Faculty

The Department of Sound Arts and Engineering (SAE) unites faculty from both the Eastman School and the Hajim School with demonstrated expertise in audio engineering, music technology, acoustics, sound design, music composition, music theory, and related fields.

Meet Our Faculty

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