Michael Dixon

Michael Dixon currently serves as instructor for MHIS 251 “American Popular Music”, which is offered online. He also teaches at the University of Richmond, Richard Bland College and Brightpoint Community College.

Previously, Michael has served as Assistant Director for the Center of Teaching, Learning and Technology at the University of Richmond, and spent 21 years at East Carolina University in numerous roles including instructor of music, instructional designer, recording engineer, and coordinator of distance education and technology for the ECU College of Fine Arts and Communication. He has designed and taught online college courses since 2004 and taught in the college classroom since 1995.

Michael has been composing music and songwriting since age 13, having composed and recorded well over 900 songs/works. However, only since 2012 as independent BMI-registered recording artist marketed under “Michael Barrett Dixon” has he begun to publish his work; now regularly releasing numerous albums, EPs, and singles worldwide. His music touches many genres including electronic, synth pop, rock, alternative, jazz, soundtrack, classical-crossover, and new age. Michael has also been commissioned to write music for modern dance choreographers Patti Weeks, Richard Southerland, Marissa Nesbit McCray, and Patricia Clark, and has written ambient music and scores to accompany new art exhibitions and small film projects.

Michael studied music composition with Mark Taggart (traditional) and Otto Henry (electronic) while earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music theory and
composition with music business emphasis at East Carolina University. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology at ECU.

Outside of music production and teaching, he works as a Senior Learning Experience Designer in the health care sector.