New book by UAB’s Scott Phillips focuses on music technology careers

“Beyond Sound, the College and Career Guide in Music Technology” offers information on school programs and advice from professionals in the music industry.

Students of music technology all over the country have a new guide to college and careers in the industry, thanks to a new book by Assistant Professor of Music Scott Phillips, Ph.D., at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

philips_bookPhillips’ book, “Beyond Sound, The College and Career Guide in Music Technology,” published by Oxford University Press, was released in May 2013. Phillips is co-director of the UAB Music Technology program and has spent his professional academic career researching and documenting the development of college music technology programs across the United States. 

Drawn from his work as a teacher, and from his extensive network of music technology professionals, Phillips offers in the book an in-depth consideration of music technology education. He provides detailed comparison of more than 200 schools that offer music technology, recording, industry and business programs. In it, he offers clear explanations of different types of degrees and provides practical guidance on career preparation, including how to get a great internship, land a first job, make connections and move up in a variety of businesses, from recording to television and film to video games. The book includes interviews with seven successful professionals who share their experiences, advice and suggestions that allow readers to get a first-hand view of the industry

The book is available through Oxford University Press, Amazon.com, UAB’s Barnes and Noble Bookstore and booksellers nationwide. To learn more contact Phillips at slpmusic@uab.edu.

With the addition of the AVID System 5 Fusion console in 2012, the UAB Department of Music is now one of only a handful of programs across the nation to provide this level of professional experience for its music technology students. UAB is among an elite group of institutions designated as AVID Learning Partners (AVL). With this upgrade and individualized training by AVID, UAB music technology faculty will become AVID Certified Instructors. The AVL program offers students professional-level certification on AVID software and hardware, including industry standard Pro Tools, Media Composer and Sibelius audio, video and notation software.