About
Derek Linzy serves as an Instructor of Music Technology in the Department of Music at Spelman College, where he has been a faculty member since 2024. He teaches foundational courses including Computer Music (SMUS 150-01) and Recording Techniques I (SMUS 190-01), emphasizing hands-on engagement with music technology.
His academic credentials include:
- Master of Music in Music Technology from Southern Utah University
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Electronic Media) from Eastern Illinois University
- Associate of Applied Science in Media Arts and Audio Production from The Institute of Production and Recording
- Associate of Applied Science in Sound Design for Visual Media Postproduction from The Institute of Production and Recording
- Associate of Arts in Communication Studies (Radio Production) from Parkland College
Linzy's professional expertise spans music production, audio engineering, and film sound design, rooted in a 20-year career collaborating with industry icons like Prince at Paisley Park Studios, Coolio, and Curtis Stewart. His teaching philosophy centers on adapting to evolving industry technologies while fostering student creativity, particularly valuing Spelman's dynamic classroom environment where students of all experience levels actively build technical skills.
His industry recognition includes:
- Two Grammy nominations for albums 'Of Love' and 'Of Power'
- Ongoing role as voting member and mentor for The Recording Academy
Beyond academia, Linzy maintains active performance work as a keyboardist and guitarist, alongside personal pursuits in poetry writing and VHS film collecting, demonstrating his holistic integration of artistic practice and pedagogy.
