Fine Arts - Music Technology Concentration, BA

Mission

This program will provide students with solid instruction in the variety of ways computer technology is employed in the music industry. It will cover essentials such as computer software, basic studio design, arranging, songwriting, Internet and World Wide Web applications. Courses in music theory and music history give a broad background in the understanding of music styles and genres. A course in business rounds out the curriculum and allows for the understanding of law as it applies to contracts, copyright and the electronic media. A Performance Senior Project is required to complete the concentration. In addition to the 28 semester hours of the Music Technology Concentration, students must successfully complete 93 semester hours of General Education and Fine Arts Requirements. It is suggested that all students enroll in an applied lesson each semester of enrollment and participate in one of the several performance opportunities.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes and Competencies

1. Explore the physical properties of analog and digital sound, synthesizers, microphones, music recording, and the history of electronic music.
2. Develop knowledge of the use of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MDI) techniques. Learn how to sequence with workstations, computers Learn editing and mixing techniques.
3. Develop knowledge of the fundamentals of musical composition and arranging for song writing and commercial jingles while utilizing electronic instruments and devices.  Notation for small and large ensembles and arranging concepts are among the areas of instruction.
4. Develop skills to interface with multimedia projects. Preparation of websites, multi-media Power point presentations, and animation.
5. Gain knowledge and understanding of various recording media (CD, HD, DVD, and, Mini Disk), microphones and sound mixers for live and recording concepts.
6. Gain knowledge of the aspects of the business of music , including contracts, management, self-promotions, copyright, Internet and other electronic media.

Admission Requirements

All students applying for admission into the Music Technology Concentration must take a music fundamentals and theory placement test.

The results of this test will determine the student’s level of understanding of music fundamentals and basic theory principals and assist in the advisement of the appropriate theory level. Students will also have to take an applied instrument evaluation exam to demonstrate sight-reading and performance knowledge. Students should provide a CD with examples of music compositions and/or arrangements that they have prepared using the appropriate software packages available for either the PC or Mac computer platforms. Students can setup auditions and personal interviews through the Music Technology Coordinator.

Student should prepare 3 short selections for the applied audition and will be asked to perform various scales and arpeggios and given sight-reading materials. Interviews and auditions must be done prior to acceptance into the discipline. A visual/audio interview on DVD can be provided by the student that is unedited-nonstop for a 15-to-20-minute period. It should have explanation of what is being done and credit for the composers/arrangers of the pieces demonstrated. If a DVD is rendered for audition, the sight-reading requirement will be giving the day the student is officially on campus. Appointments can be made by contacting the Program Coordinator for Music Technology and/or the DFPA. The DVD and CD packet can be mailed to DFPA, Bowie State University 14000 Jericho Park Road, FPAC RM 3132, Bowie, MD 20715.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Courses in music theory and music history give a broad background in the understanding of music styles and genres. A course in business rounds out the curriculum and allows for the understanding of law as it applies to contracts, copyright, and the electronic media. A Performance Senior Project is required to complete the concentration. In addition to the 28 semester hours of the Music Technology Concentration, students must successfully complete 93 semester hours of General Education and Fine Arts Requirements. It is suggested that all students enroll in an applied lesson each semester of enrollment and participate in one of the several performance opportunities.