The School of Music is always listening for new ideas
Television, movies, video games, streaming, or any other kind of technology that has music: What you hear around you every day is what we do. We're a different kind of music school. We teach our students to master the existing technology and then give them the tools to innovate and create the ideas that we'll be listening to tomorrow.
Our students combine technical know-how with exceptional music talent to truly change the way the world experiences music. We're also dedicated to giving Georgia Tech students the chance to pursue their interests in music, no matter what form it might take. Whether it's performing in an ensemble with like-minded musicians, getting your master's or Ph.D. in Music Technology, or just renting out one of our practice rooms to keep your skills sharp, we have a place for you here!
Undergraduate Information Graduate Information
Undergraduate options
Bachelor of Science in Music Technology
Our new Bachelor of Science in Music Technology is the perfect choice for the student who asks, "I really like playing the piano, but what if I could control it through my computer? What if I don't even need my hands to play it?"
We love those kinds of questions, because we build musical answers every day. Seriously.
Sure, we teach our students how to use state-of-the-art studio equipment. But that's just the beginning. We encourage our students to push their imaginations and amp music up to an entirely different level. We make an orchestra with just a group of students and their laptops. We don't just play music -- we invent it.
Our students start by brushing up on the essentials -- music theory, aural training, music literature -- and then dive into the wild and theoretical classes we're known for. Robots that listen to and play their own improvised music. Mastering software that samples and builds your own music. Projects limited only by your own imagination.
You are encouraged to choose a specialized concentration or minor. You're sure to find a way to make your degree exactly what you want it to be, with choices like Acoustics and Vibration, Controls and Robotics, Electrical and Computer Engineering. You can minor in a discipline like Computer Science or Industrial Design.
Presently, we also offer the following programs to any undergraduates at Georgia Tech:
- Music Minor -- The minor consists of 15credit hours customized to the specific area of music you're interested in, ranging from General Music Literacy to Music Technology. Please note that an interview and/or audition is required for entry to this program.
- Certificate of Fine Arts -- This certificate can be earned by a Georgia Tech student who completes 13 credit hours as approved by the School of Music Chair. Please note a core component of this certificate is a sustained performance in one of our instrumental or vocal ensembles.
- Humanities Credits -- Trying to find a good way to fulfill the humanities requirements in your degree track? Participating in one of our ensembles can earn you up to four hours of humanities credit.
Graduate Options
Master of Science in Music Technology
The degree program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in Music, Engineering, Computer Science, or other comparable majors. It focuses on the design and development of innovative music hardware and software. As a Music Technology student, you will be expected to have a basic proficiency in programming and/or engineering, along with a familiarity with music composition and theory.
Our faculty members are at the forefront of research and performance in their fields, and maintain working relationships with prominent musicians both locally and abroad. They work hands-on with every student to ensure engaging and fulfilling course work every semester. If you are interested in working with robots, you can work with robots. If you want to research sound on a more theoretical level, our faculty are experts on that as well.
After your first year of study, you will choose between two academic tracks:
Project Track: Students will complete a set of requirements that will include 21 music technology course credit hours, 15 elective course credit hours, and 12 research credit hours leading to the development of a final M.S. Project in Music Technology.
Thesis Track: Students will complete a set of requirements that will include 21 music technology course credit hours, 9 elective course credit hours, 12 research hours and 6 Thesis Preparation credit hours, leading to the completion and submission of an M.S. Thesis in Music Technology.
Ph.D. Program
Our Ph.D. program is a fully-funded, full-time program. Much like the master's degree program, applicants are expected to have a strong background in computing, music, engineering, or media arts and sciences. Regardless of what master degree you have, however, you will be expected to have expertise of the core master-level course material found in Music Technology. This includes proficiency in:
- Music theory, performance, composition, and/or analysis
- Music Information Retrieval
- Digital Signal processing and Synthesis
- Interactive Music Systems Design
- Music Cognition
We will determine your proficiency through an extensive review of a portfolio of your work, and an interview process.
