Program Overview

Introduction to the Sonic Arts Program

The Sonic Arts program at Carnegie Mellon University is a creative expression that utilizes sound as its primary medium. This program allows students to explore the processes and products of digital sound design and music production, receiving basic training in key component areas such as principles of computer music, sound synthesis, spatialization, and core practices in sound design.

Program Description

Students in the Sonic Arts minor combine their training with courses that bring together experts from many disciplines, creating experimental music and exploring emerging applications and markets for sound design, music creation, and performance. The program is open to students from any major and is offered in collaboration with the School of Music.

Program Requirements

The Sonic Arts minor requires a minimum of 45 units, including:

• One Computing Course (minimum of 9 units)
  • 15-104 Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice
  • 15-110 Principles of Computing
  • 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science
  • 60-212 Intermediate Studio: Creative Coding
• One IDeATe Portal Course (minimum of 9 units)
  • 57-345 Twisted Signals: Multimedia Processing for the Arts (currently offered only in Spring)
  • Other IDeATe Portal Courses by permission only
• IDeATe Sonic Arts Courses (minimum of 27 units)
  • 15-322 Introduction to Computer Music
  • 33-114 Physics of Musical Sound
  • 54-166 Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre
  • 54-267 Conceptual Sound Design
  • 57-337 Sound Recording
  • 57-344/60-407 Experimental Sound Synthesis
  • 57-347 Electronic and Computer Music
  • 57-358 Introduction to Electronic Music (portfolio required for registration)
  • 57-359 Audiovisual Composition
  • 57-421 Exploded Ensemble
  • 57-458 Business of Music
  • Additional courses as available

Double-Counting Policy

Students may double-count up to two of their IDeATe minor courses for other requirements.

Faculty and Expertise

The Sonic Arts faculty represent Carnegie Mellon's expertise in Computer Science, Drama, and Music, carefully overseeing the collaboration of students while delivering the IDeATe Sonic Arts courses.