Program Overview

Music & Technology Program Overview

The Music and Technology program at Carnegie Mellon University was established in 2009 as a joint project between the School of Music, School of Computer Science, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This interdisciplinary program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the music industry.

Program Description

The Music and Technology program offers students the opportunity to hone their skills in an interdisciplinary environment, focusing on a chosen area of study such as Recording Technology, Audio Engineering, Computer Music, Music Composition, Music Performance, and Music Theory. The program consists of a set of courses that span music, electrical engineering, and computer science, as well as a capstone composition/design/performance project.

Program Goals

The goal of the core coursework in music and technology is to provide a comprehensive undergraduate understanding of all three areas of study: music, computer science, and electrical engineering. Students will work closely with advisors and will be guided in both course selection and capstone projects.

Eligibility and Admission

The program is designed for students who want to pursue music technology as a career. These may be students who are accomplished musicians, have a keen interest in science and engineering, and want to explore the musical applications of technology. Students with experience in recording or electronic music composition/production who desire to study these areas along with the technological underpinnings of audio engineering and computer science are also eligible.

Internal Transfer Admission Procedures

To apply for internal transfer into the Music & Technology program, students must submit an application by October 1 or March 1. Students must choose a Music (includes Composition) Concentration or a Technical Concentration.

Music Concentration Requirements

• If a music major, students must be enrolled in or have completed the following courses with a C grade or better:
  • 15-110 Introduction to Programming
  • 18-100 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • 21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus
• If not a music major, students must pass an audition and be enrolled in or have completed the following courses with a C grade or better:
  • 15-110 Introduction to Programming
  • 18-100 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • 21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus

Technical Concentration Requirements

• If a music major, students must be enrolled in or have completed the following courses with a C grade or better:
  • 15-110 Introduction to Programming
  • 18-100 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • 21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus
• If not a music major, students must pass an audition or submit a portfolio that documents their music activities and pass placement tests in harmony and solfege or complete Harmony I and Solfege I with a C grade or better:
  • 57-149 or 57-152 Basic Harmony I or Harmony I
  • 57-180 or 57-181 Basic Solfege I or Solfege I
• Students must also be enrolled in or have completed the following courses with a C grade or better:
  • 15-110 Introduction to Programming
  • 18-100 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • 21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus

Internal Transfer Admission Policies

• Students must not be on probation or suspension in their current college.
• Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative QPA.
• First-year students cannot apply for transfer until the spring semester.
• Students must be in residence in the program for a minimum of four semesters.

Program Structure

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of music, computer science, and electrical engineering. Students will work closely with advisors to select courses and complete a capstone project. The program consists of a set of courses that span music, electrical engineering, and computer science, as well as a capstone composition/design/performance project.