Music Technology
Courses in music technology are open to students from across the University as space permits; priority registration is given to music majors. A minor in music technology is open to all undergraduates.
Music Technology Minor
A minor in music technology requires 6 units, of which a minimum of 5 courses are not double-counted toward any major. The 6 units required for the minor include MUS_TECH 300-0 Introduction to Music Technology. The five remaining classes are typically chosen from any additional 300-level courses in MUS_TECH. Of those five, up to two audio-intensive courses from other departments (RTVF, SAI, COMP_SCI, MUS COMP) may be counted with faculty approval. Music technology minors may be declared after the completion of MUS_TECH 300-0 Introduction to Music Technology or with equivalent experience as determined by an interview with the program faculty. Music technology minors should be declared through the Bienen School's Office of Student Affairs by the end of the sophomore year, by completing the minor declaration form at: https://music.northwestern.edu/resources/students/undergraduate/forms.
MUS_TECH 300-0 Introduction to Music Technology (1 Unit)
Introduction of key concepts in acoustics, digital audio theory, production, and postproduction. Through projects and presentations, students will learn to record and edit their work, use notation software, communicate with recording engineers, and prepare and present work online.
MUS_TECH 321-0 Producing in the Virtual Studio (1 Unit)
Techniques for creating and producing music in the context of a computer-based audio production environment. Topics include MIDI, audio editing, plugins, effects processing, mastering, and basic surround mixing. Assignments include creative projects.
Prerequisite: MUS_TECH 300-0 or equivalent experience and consent of instructor.
MUS_TECH 322-0 Recording Techniques (1 Unit)
Microphone and placement techniques including stereo and close/distant miking of voices, acoustic instruments, and ensembles. Console design, signal flow, and dynamics processing. Projects include recording assignments.
Prerequisite: MUS_TECH 300-0 or equivalent experience and consent of instructor.
MUS_TECH 335-0 Selected Topics (1 Unit)
Topics vary; announced before registration. May be repeated with change of topic.
MUS_TECH 340-0 Composing With Computers (1 Unit)
Foundational techniques of composition using music and audio software. Techniques of algorithmic composition, sound processing. Analysis of electroacoustic music. Assignments include student compositions.
Prerequisite: MUS_TECH 300-0 or equivalent experience.
MUS_TECH 345-0 Technology-Based Performance (1 Unit)
Creation, rehearsal, and performance of technology-based music in a group setting. Topics include real-time interaction, technological performance interfaces, application of algorithmic methods.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
MUS_TECH 350-0 Studio Techniques for Electroacoustic Music (1 Unit)
Advanced projects in electroacoustic composition, audio programming (Max/MSP), audio engineering, or electronic instrument design; includes a largescale project, typically developed from the student's previous music technology course work.
Prerequisite: MUS_TECH 340-0, MUS_TECH 345-0, or equivalent experience.
MUS_TECH 355-2 History and Analysis of Electroacoustic Music (1 Unit)
Survey of electronic music repertoire from 1948 through the end of the analog era and the introduction of digital music. Examination of the aesthetic motivations and technical approaches that have shaped electroacoustic music throughout its history, focusing on the interaction between technical innovation and creativity.
MUS_TECH 365-0 Electronic Film Music (1 Unit)
The course will focus on electronic approaches to film scoring. It will consist of historical overview (going back to the 1940s), significant composers and repertoire examples, and practical exercises in scoring. The course will cover multiple film genres with special emphasis on science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Composers covered include John Carpenter, Vangelis, Jerry Goldsmith, Dave Porter, Hans Zimmer, and Hildur Guðnadóttir.
MUS_TECH 385-0 Senior Project (1 Unit) Independent project in music technology. Prerequisite: permission of department.
MUS_TECH 399-0 Independent Study (0.5-1 Unit)
MUS_TECH 435-0 Selected Topics (1 Unit)
Topics vary. May be repeated for credit with change of topic.
MUS_TECH 499-0 Independent Study (1 Unit)
SEE DEPT FOR SECTION AND PERMISSION NUMBERS.