Fine Arts - Music Technology Concentration, BA

Mission

This program offers comprehensive instruction in the diverse applications of computer technology in the music industry. Students will gain foundational knowledge in areas such as digital audio software, studio, sound design, arranging, songwriting, and music production.

Core courses in music theory and the history of past and contemporary music provide students with a broad understanding of musical styles and genres. A dedicated course in music business introduces legal principles related to contracts, copyright, and electronic media.

To complete the concentration, students must develop and present a senior project in music technology. It is also recommended that students proficient in voice or an instrument enroll in applied lessons each semester and participate in one or more of the department’s performance ensembles.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes and Competencies: Upon successful program completion, students will be able to:

• Describe and analyze the physical properties of analog and digital sound, synthesizers, microphones, and recording equipment, and summarize key developments in the history of electronic music.
• Apply Music Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) techniques and digital audio concepts in the creation of original music production projects using industry-standard tools.
• Compose and arrange original music and jingles using electronic instruments, demonstrating proficiency in notation for small and large ensembles.
• Compare and contrast historical and contemporary music styles and evaluate their influence on electronic and popular music genres.
• Design and integrate multimedia elements, such as websites, animations, and presentations into music and sound projects for diverse platforms.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using various recording media, microphones, and mixers to edit and produce high-quality audio recordings for both live and studio environments.
• Explain and evaluate legal and business aspects of the music industry, including contracts, copyright, promotion, and digital media strategies.

Admission Requirements

All students applying for admission into the Music Technology Concentration must take a music fundamentals and theory placement test. Contact the department for the time and date of the online exam. It will be offered during and prior to advisement. The results of this test will determine the student’s level of understanding of music fundamentals and basic theory principles and assist in the advisement of the appropriate theory level.

Additional for BA Students:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree: 12 semester credits (4 courses) of a foreign language are required. Selected courses chosen from any category within the General Education Course List. Example: SPAN or FREN 101,102, 201 ,202. However, this can include Sign Language and other languages when offered.

Note: All Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and VCDMA majors must pass all major courses (ART, ENGL, VCDM, THEA, MUSC & THEA) w/grade of “C” or better; maintain a 2.0 GPA in major

* Transfer students bringing in 12 credits or more can substitute the Freshman Seminar requirement with another transfer course for (3) three credits course not used in the major. Transfer students should consult with a faculty advisor and/or program coordinator for a transfer credit evaluation.

Music Technology Minor: 21-22 semester hours

A minor is Music Technology (MUTE), which provides an overview of the technology tools and software utilized in music production and performance. The following required course of study is recommended for a Minor in Music Technology Concentration. All MUTE students must meet with the Faculty Advisor and/or Program Coordinator to prepare the appropriate course of study to complete the degree requirements for a minor in MUTE. The MUTE minor requires passing with 18 or 19 credits of selected music technology courses with a grade of “C” or better. The courses are as follows:

• MUSA 292/293 Class Piano 2 credits
• MUSA 411 Recital 0 credits
• MUSC 110 Intro to Electronic Music 3 credits
• MUSC 111 Keyboard I 2 credits or
• MUSC 211 Keyboard & Computer Seq 3 credits MUSC 155 Basic Music Theory I - 3 credits
• MUSC 212 Computer Notation 3 credits MUSC 408 Business of Music 3 credits
• MUSC 410 Multimedia Production & Recording I - 2 credits
• MUSC 499 Independent Study 3 credits