Michael Pounds began his career as a mechanical engineer, but returned to the academic world to study music composition with a focus on computer music and music technology. He studied at Bowling Green State University, Ball State University, the University of Birmingham in England, and the University of Illinois. He specializes in computer music composition and collaborative intermedia projects. His awards include the ASCAP/SEAMUS Student Commission Award, a Residence Prize at the Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Competition, a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship for studies in England, and residencies at the MacDowell Colony and I-Park. His music has been performed throughout the United States and abroad. He was a co-host of the 2005 national conference of the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the U.S., as well as the 2014 national conference of the Society of Composers, Inc. Michael teaches composition, acoustics, music perception, recording and computer music at Ball State University.