The bachelor’s degree in music media production offers two exciting, distinct tracks; future-ready and in touch with the reality of the music industry.
Degree Tracks
The Audio Engineering Technology track is focused on emerging technology and includes such universal skills as coding, network, digital signal processing, and electronics. Produce and record in our state-of-the-art
music production facilities with leading technology. From a high-end Dolby Atmos production space to a 10,000 square foot studio suite, this degree will equip you with the practical skills that an ever changing, competitive industry demands. You will take courses in immersive audio, digital signal processing, live sound, and the full spectrum of music production.
The Commercial Music Design track is a unique, exciting concentration that focuses on creative music production and commercial writing for computer games, film, and other emerging media. A unique combination of commercial composition, jazz theory, virtual and acoustic orchestration, and a profound portfolio of technical skill - this is the degree that gives the creative writer the competitive edge to succeed. Collaborate across campus and hone your writing and production skills in our amazing
music production facilities. The commercial music design track embraces your musicianship, your individual voice, and gives you the opportunity to produce and write in a professional environment.
Our Faculty
You will learn and work directly with our welcoming community of faculty. Get to know them.
Classes You Will Take
In addition to an innovative curriculum, you may elect specialized courses in areas of personal interest, such as computer music and composition, marketing, or digital media. Each degree track has its own curriculum plan:
Real-World Experience
You can develop immersive learning projects and pursue valuable internships that will make you real-world ready. These elements of student choice and a core, multidisciplinary curriculum prepare students for a variety of employment options upon graduation.
As part of an immersive learning project, a student-led team from Ball State University’s music media production program introduced Muncie teens to their artistic craft. Read more.
Production and Recording
Whether you want to hone your creative production and mixing skills or learn how to make a professional recording from start to finish, the music production curriculum at Ball State University offers hands-on experience and expert instruction. Our curriculum is designed to give students all the opportunities they need to build a strong portfolio.
Entrepreneurship and empowerment is at the heart of our music production degree. Production and recording students participate in immersive and authentic experiences. Our courses will help you navigate the music business, and understand copyright and music law. Immersive learning classes allow you to work at Beneficence Records, a student-run record label, and produce a weekly radio program entitled "The Scene" for public broadcast.
As an aspiring songwriter, our songwriting classes allow you to not only improve your skills, but to record your songs professionally, building a strong portfolio comprised of numerous demos. If you love performing live music, you can audition for our Music Media Production Studio Band, where you can perform pop, R&B, and rock music. The Studio Band plays for University events, and regularly performs off-campus and in the community. You can also participate in the Spring Shout Songwriting Competition in which the first-prize winner studies at the Popakademie International Summer Camp in Mannheim, Germany.
Live sound is just as important in audio production as studio work. A growing field, our live sound classes offer you the thrill of mixing live performances both on and off campus for our classical, jazz, and pop groups. From set up to tear down, you get the full experience of live sound engineering. You may also have the opportunity to work for Central Recording Services, which is responsible for recording School of Music events.
Several times a semester we hold master classes with industry professionals, many of whom are renowned industry icons. You’ll have a front row seat next to world famous recording engineers and producers while you learn the requirements of the industry first-hand.
An excellent relationship with audio manufacturers means the best equipment for our students and frequently results in internship and employment opportunities. You will be exposed to the latest high end gear and attend workshops with product experts.
Our Facilities
Located in the heart of the Midwest, less than an hour from Indianapolis is one of the finest recording facilities available to students in Indiana. As a music media production student, you’ll have access to nine studios that provide a remarkable range of choices for creative and scholarly endeavors. See for yourself.
Paying for Your Education
About 80 percent of Ball State students receive some form of financial aid, and you have hundreds of options at your disposal, including several scholarships just for School of Music students. Find scholarships.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in our program? Admission to the School of Music is competitive. As such, we require an audition on voice or a traditional instrument for all prospective students, on top of the University-wide application.
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