The Department of Performing Arts and Technology provides opportunities for NC State students of any major to cultivate, explore, and pursue their interests in arts entrepreneurship, dance, music and music technology. Our Spotlight Series showcases members of the Wolfpack and how they have included dance and music during their time at NC State experience and beyond.
This month’s spotlight is on Daniel Turk, a third-year student from Cary, North Carolina, majoring in music technology with a concentration in software and digital hardware and minoring in music studies. He is also involved in the Jazz Combo.
Turk started as a music studies minor in the department and said he “utilized that to take as many interesting music classes as I could.”
Last year, he says, “I learned about the new Music Technology major, and I eventually became the first student to transfer into the program.”
“The Music Technology program has enhanced my skills in music and engineering and provided me with valuable research opportunities. After taking a Music Technology (MUT) class with Dr. Öztürk last spring, I was invited to work at his research lab as an Independent Undergraduate Researcher.”
Turk expanded on this opportunity, saying, “This ASSIST research project was focused on the development of an Elastomer-Liquid Metal Membrane Microphone. The goal of the project was to create a new type of transducer using flexible materials.”
“By the end of the summer, I successfully fabricated working versions of the novel microphone. These versions were able to capture sound as electrical signals, demonstrating the design’s functionality. The next major phase of the project will likely take place in the summer of 2025; this will involve further testing and refinement.”
Turk talked more about the role music plays in his life below.
| “Daniel’s curiosity and creativity is a wonderful example of how music technologists provide a unique perspective to problem-solving. He’s been demonstrating this through undergraduate research work on a new ribbon microphone design with Dr. Ozturk in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. I look forward to his growth in this exciting field.” Dr. Justin D. Matthew, Associate Teaching Professor of Music Technology |
Spotlight Q&A
What role does music play in your life?
Music has always been extremely important to me. My mother was always playing piano around the house and led a music group throughout my childhood. I guess I picked up a love of music through exposure to all of that.
At NC State, I have mainly been musically involved in jazz combos, but I have also enjoyed music production, piano, and theory classes. Additionally I have worked at WKNC 88.1 FM, our awesome college radio station (definitely check out the station if you haven’t already!).
Outside of school I love working on recording projects and playing live music. In fact, this summer I went on a two week east coast tour tour with an Indie Rock band. It was my first time traveling any distance like that to play music. It was an incredible experience.
I plan to maintain my involvement in music. It is a lot to juggle but it is definitely worth the effort.
What has been a highlight of your experience as a musician at NC State?
It is hard to pick… Taking MUS 240 with Mr. Keane was a big highlight for me. I always wanted to learn music production, but struggled to do it without guidance. That class got me to a level where I could use Digital Audio Workstations to create music with little prior experience.
What advice do you have for incoming students who are interested in participating in music at NC State?
It is possible for you to keep music/dance in your life during and after college. It requires compromise, but it is still possible to make time for it.
The Department of Performing Arts and Technology provides educational and performance opportunities for students and community members through various experiences and academic courses.
