HARMAN engineer by day, EDM artist by night

Originally published on Life At HARMAN

​Tessa, Field Application Engineer (FAE) at HARMAN, shares her fascinating journey bridging the fields of music and technological innovation in the automotive sector.

The roadmap to professional success

Tessa’s journey began at the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts Technology with a concentration in engineering. This diverse academic background laid the foundation for a multi-dimensional approach to problem solving.

After graduating, Tessa’s passion for sound and technology led her to HARMAN. With a focus on pure software projects, Tessa works in the Solution Management team and advises automotive manufacturers on the use of software developed by HARMAN. This software plays a crucial role in building, organizing, tuning and analyzing complex audio signal flows that are later integrated into the vehicle’s audio system.

Tessa is also occasionally involved in engine sound synthesis projects and is working on software features in sound design for electric vehicles.

Surrounded by colleagues who share a passion for music and technology, the office goes beyond the traditional idea of ​​a workplace.

“I appreciate a workplace full of musicians like me! As a social environment, I feel like I’m surrounded by like-minded people,” said Tessa. “The office environment feels less like a workplace and more like a community space where I can achieve great things with a supportive team.”

For Tessa, it is not only a collaborative space where creativity is encouraged but also celebrated.

The Development of a Musician: A Symphony of Creativity

Outside of the business world, Tessa is a talented musician who performs under the stage name AUDIA. She has been making music since she was young and has often participated in extracurricular activities such as choir.

What sparked Tessa’s passion for music? A childhood filled with movie magic and a deep fascination with music’s ability to enhance storytelling and create a connection between all elements of filmmaking.​​​​

In high school, the installation of her first Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) was a defining moment. Tessa experimented with different styles, from synthpop to singer-songwriter pieces to orchestral compositions with electronic elements, eventually finding her niche in the world of electronic music known as “bass music”. This genre, which includes subgenres such as dubstep, bass house and midtempo bass, allowed Tessa to work with the narrative aspect of orchestral arrangements including her vocals, and to infuse them musically with the infinite and varied possibilities of working with sound design.​

In 2023, Tessa performed at the Movement Music Festival in Detroit and shared in an interview what it meant to her to perform at a major festival.

Performances for colleagues

A unique aspect of Tessa’s journey at HARMAN is the opportunity to showcase her musical talent in a corporate environment. While attending various HARMAN events, Tessa has performed live for colleagues – a rare and rewarding experience in a professional environment.

“I really enjoy performing for my colleagues and having the opportunity to share my art and music with the people I work with. It is rare to find a company like HARMAN that incorporates all the expertise and passion of its employees with such an opportunity,” Tessa shared it.

This fusion of work and art is indicative of HARMAN’s distinctive corporate culture, which actively encourages employees to be fully involved in the workplace. It is a culture in which individual talents are celebrated and the diverse skills of each team member contribute to a vibrant spectrum of innovation.

Listen to Tessa’s music under the artist name AUDIA, available on Spotify, Soundcloud and Apple Music.

Tessa’s story as a FAE at HARMAN is a testament to the transformative power of aligning your career with your passions. It illustrates the potential for innovation when creativity is not only embraced but built into the fabric of the workplace. As the symphony of her career continues to unfold, she resonates with a harmonious blend of technology, artistry and the collaborative spirit that defines HARMAN’s unique cultural landscape.

If you are looking for a place where technology meets vision, innovation and inspiration, then HARMAN is the place for you. Place where you belong.