The Digital Arts Initiative is spearheaded by the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and is a collaborative effort among faculty from the School of Art and Art History and Design, the Johnny Carson School of Theater and Film, and the Glenn Korff School of Music to provide interested students from all majors hands-on experience applying current technology to the arts.

Students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln interested in the potential of collaboration with their peers in art, music, theater, film, emerging media arts, and related areas may also enjoy a focused study in digital arts. By expanding the student’s understanding of the application of technology in the arts, the Digital Arts Initiative will enhance the student’s creative options within their major. These elective classes will bring together students from various disciplines to share their unique perspectives. Faculty members include professionals who are committed to helping students achieve their full artistic and technical potential. Standards are rigorous, and expectations are high.

Of special note to Art students: all Digital Arts Initiative courses (even those without Art prefixes) count as studio credit.


Spring 2024 COURSES

MUSC 383 – Music Technology: Advanced Audio Recording and Production 

TR 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

Contact instructor Tom Larson for permission code- tlarson3@unl.du

Advanced work in audio recording and production with an emphasis on creating dynamic audio mixes for different musical contexts. Extensive work with DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and audio hardware such as microphones and mixing consoles, as well as foundational experience in using editing/mastering software. 


MUSC 291Q Digital Arts Special Topics: Creative Coding (iOS Music App Development)

TR 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. 

Contact instructor Brian Moore for permission code - brian.moore@unl.edu

This course is an introduction to writing software for musical, creative and artistic contexts: Using iOS (iPhone and iPad) as a platform, you will learn the computer language Swift (the language which is the basis for native iOS applications) as well as Xcode, a professional Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Assumes no previous experience.


THEA 291Q Digital Art & 2D Animation

MW 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. 

Contact instructor Chris Irvin for permission code – cirvin@unl.edu

This course will explore the use of mobile devices as art creation tools. Utilizing Apple iPads, mobile devices, and applications that include ProcreateFlipaclipAdobe Rush, and Adobe After Effects, students will gain a foundation in digital art and 2D animation. Areas of study include exploration and experimentation with storytelling, character design, digital drawing & illustration, 2D animation, digital compositing, and motion graphics. Students are supplied with Apple iPads, Pencils, and licensed versions of the required apps for the semester.

  • Photos of students using a green screen and recording a piano
  • students in a ready for drawing class
  • DAI students working
  • DAI Students working
  • students using computers in Richards 17
  • Digital arts students
  • Digital arts students working
  • Photos of students using a green screen and recording a piano
  • students in a ready for drawing class
  • DAI students working
  • DAI Students working
  • students using computers in Richards 17
  • Digital arts students
  • students using computers in Richards 17