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Ball State University's music technology curriculum focuses on four main areas:

  • Theoretical and historical aspects of sound and music: This portion of the degree includes courses in acoustics, perception, basic electronics, and the history of electro-acoustic music.
  • Computer music: A three-course sequence starts with basic digital manipulation and editing techniques, moving through advanced synthesis and signal processing topics, software-based systems, and interactive computer music. Additional advanced topic offerings occur on a changing basis.
  • Recording: Recording classes are offered at the introductory and advanced levels, with an additional requirement for individual projects working with a variety of performers, genres, and styles.
  • Composition: Composition classes include work in both the electronic and acoustic domains. Composition is the central activity of the computer music sequence and music technology as a whole. Students choosing the composition recital as their exit requirement are expected to show significant accomplishment in both of these areas of composition.

Each student takes a set of core courses in each of these areas and then proceeds to finish with guided specializations, usually in two areas. All students have an exit requirement of either a composition recital or senior research project.

In addition, each student will select and complete one of three minor options. Follow the links above (under the music tech banner) to see how each minor option would integrate into a typical four year class schedule.

See the Music Technology curriculum outline.

See the Music Technology course descriptions.

See the curriculum outlines for the individual minor options: Applied Physics, Computer Science, and Digital Media.