Music Technology
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any specific music entrance requirements for admission to this degree concentration?

A: All entering majors are initially classified as "Pre-Music" majors and must present an entrance audition in their major performing area and take a music theory placement test. Placement in MUSC 171 (First Year applied Music) and placement in MUSC 111 (First Year Theory) is required for admission to all undergraduate degree programs. Audition guidelines and a sample music theory placement test are available from the Department of Music office.

Q: When do I begin taking courses in Music Technology?

A: Students can begin taking courses in music technology at any time. There are no prerequisites for introductory computer music courses.

Q: What aspects of the "Music and Technology" concentration are different from other music degrees?

A: Coursework emphasizes comprehensive musicianship in applied areas with emphasis on developing skills necessary to the pursuit of careers involving music technology. Students develop advanced skills using MIDI technology in composition, performance, software development, and in research. In addition to core courses in music theory, music history and applied study, the curriculum includes courses in composition, counterpoint, orchestration and computer music.

Q: What applied lessons will I take?

A: The Music and Technology concentration requires completion of level 6 in a major applied instrument and completion of level 1 in piano.

Q: What computer-based facilities are available?

A: The Center for Music Technology maintains five computer music laboratories, including a 13-station computer-keyboard laboratory, a fully-equipped MIDI lab containing multi-track digital recording and editing facilities, a direct digital synthesis lab, a digital audio-visual laboratory, and a lab equipped with digital performing instruments. The Center also supports compact disc pressing facilities where students have opportunities to record, mix and produce their own compact discs and CD-ROM discs.

Q: What opportunities exist for collaboration with students in other disciplines?

A: Music students are encouraged to develop projects in conjunction with students enrolled in other departments within the university, including Dance, Theater, Media Studies and Art. The university supports television and radio stations staffed by students. These media, along with live concert opportunities, offer many possibilities for the broadcast of student works.

Q: What does a degree in music with a concentration in "Music and Technology" qualify me for?

A: Demand for graduates with skills in both music and technology has increased significantly over the past five years, particularly in the production of computer-based multi-media. It is expected that most graduates of this concentration would pursue careers as musicians capable of manipulating electronic sound sources in a computer-based environment. With the tremendous increase of computer resources in nearly every facet of the music industry, the need for musicians with technological expertise is great. Graduates compete for jobs as composers, performers, consultants in multi-media production, hardware and software development, and in areas developing so fast it is difficult to anticipate their existence. Many graduates of the undergraduate Music and Technology degree concentration go on to pursue graduate degrees.