Michael Strickland

Michael Strickland serves as Specialized Faculty in Music Technology at Florida State University’s College of Music. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a Master of Arts in Music from the same institution, boasting over two decades of professional experience across both the private sector and academia in information and music technology fields.
His research interests delve into the dynamic interplay between dancers and musicians, probing the improvisatory interface and environmental influences between the two. In his capacity as an audio and recording engineer, he has notably contributed to the live music scene, specializing in live music for dance, with over 15 years’ experience as the lead audio engineer at prominent gatherings like the International Lindy Hop Championships and Lindy Focus.
He is also an active performer of music in a variety of styles and instruments, crossing frequently between performing, live mixing and recording. His approach involves the development of bespoke software and hardware systems with a focus on treating each system as a platform for creative and interactive performance. Working from his own studio, Sound of Cypress Studios, he offers consultations on home and project studio setups, advises educational programs on production and music technology as well as offering recording and mixing services to local artists and performing and mixing as a part of City Church Music.
As a committed member of the MIDI Association, he actively engages with the MIDI in Music Education and MIDI Accessibility Special Interest Groups and was honored to contribute as a judge for the 2024 MIDI Innovation Awards. He staunchly advocates for educational magic found at the crossroads of different disciplines and champions for the accessibility of such interdisciplinary learning. His dedication to forging connections between these domains embodies his work with both his students and his industry peers.