​Michael Arenson is professor emeritus of music theory in the Department of Music. Dr. Arenson's area of scholarly and creative activity involves computer-based instruction research and development in the area of music theory. He developed the GUIDO music theory series in 1978. In 1990, he received a three-year grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) from the U.S. Department of Education to support the development of a computer-based harmony coach for use with freshman and sophomore music theory instruction.

In 1993, he received a three-year grant from FIPSE to support the development of a computer-based jazz harmony and improvisation program. That work is ongoing. He has developed an online computer-based instruction course titled Music Basics Online, which is used for remediation at the freshman level. He has also developed an online computer-based instruction course for credit, titled Fundamentals of Music Online, designed for non-music majors at the University of Delaware. He is active as a freelance jazz and commercial piano player performing regularly on campus and throughout Delaware and the Delaware Valley.​