Admission to the Music Technology concentration is very competitive. Continuation in the program also requires extended effort, both in terms of creative projects and in the acquisition of concepts and skills.

All applicants to the Music Technology program must submit representative examples of their original creative work in order to be considered for admission. At least three musical projects on which the applicant has worked should be included with their application and sent to the Admissions Office. These projects will be reviewed by a faculty committee and should be in a form that best represents the project. For example, the candidate can submit recordings or printed scores (if available) of their original compositions, lead sheets of original songs, or video tapes or DVDs of projects that involve visual media. Examples can also be submitted in purely digital form, which might include MIDI or digital audio files on data or audio CD (PC and Mac formats are acceptable), or Web site addresses (please give specific URLs) where original music or sounds created by the candidate can be found. Compositions that involve computer-generated sound are strongly encouraged.

Audio recordings of the compositions are highly recommended (audio CD preferred) and video tape recordings of live performances of the applicant's music are also acceptable. In each case, a short and concise statement explaining the applicant's involvement in the creation of the work must be included. For example, it should tell whether the applicant is the sole creator or a collaborator; the composer, arranger or remixer; and whether the applicant is performing the work on the recording(s). In addition, a separate, typed, one-page statement of the applicant's musical background, influences and goals must be included. Please do not send original or one-of-a-kind materials (materials are not typically returned). Applicants to the Music Technology program are strongly encouraged to speak with a Music Technology faculty member to determine if the program is suited to their goals. Once an application has been submitted, a live or phone interview should be arranged.

Applicants should also be aware that the program requires private composition lessons of all students. These lessons require a fee above the base tuition costs.

Students who have had formal training in music theory while in high school will be at an advantage for admission to the program. It is also highly desirable, though not mandatory, that students have some experience performing on an instrument.

Computer Science/Music Technology Dual Major
Students who wish to pursue the CS/MT dual major follow a different application process. Click here for more information about applying to the CS/MT dual major.