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 directly 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 music accompanying 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 as composition with a computer is the main focus of the program.

Audio recordings of the applicant's original compositions are highly recommended (audio CDs are 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 each submitted 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. This should include an explanation of why the applicant feels the program at Northeastern best suits their goals. 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 and are also encouraged to visit the campus and sit-in on a class. Once an application is completed, a Northeastern faculty member will contact the applicant to arrange a live or phone interview. This interview is required of all applicants.

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.

Music Theory Requirement

Students who have had formal training in music theory while in high school will be at an advantage for admission to the program. All entering students, however, must have achieved a level of competence in Music Theory beyond that of a fundamental level so that they can begin their Theory studies at Northeastern with Music Theory I or higher. (Students receiving a 4 or 5 in an advanced placement exam in Theory will automatically be placed into Theory I. All others must take a placement test to show their competence.) Northeastern will provide an online theory refresher course for all entering students in the summer before the first year. Successful completion of this course should allow students to begin with Music Theory I when they arrive at Northeastern. Students who must begin with Fundamentals of Music, the course that precedes Music Theory I, will not have the option to coop in their third or fourth year. 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.