I was interested in the music technology degree but I was wondering what the difference between a music technology degree is compared to other degrees like music production, audio production, sound engineering, music business, music media, and commercial music production. I want to study music but not as a performer or strictly a composer. I would like to produce music, do live sound, make scores for movies, and just stuff like that. But I also like making jingles and commercials for tv and radio. I’m just confused as to which degree is right for me and if it is music technology, which schools in the midwest area/east coast would be good for that degree.
Thank You
Hi @bell123 I don’t know the answer to your question, but most music schools will have advising worksheets or student handbooks online or at least a list of required classes for each major. Look for those and you will be able to see what type of classes you would be taking for different types of music tech/production majors at different schools and after reading a bunch of those you’ll probably see some that look a lot more appealing than others. For an example of what I mean, check out U of Michigan’s descriptions of their various PAT programs: https://smtd.umich.edu/departments/pat/programs.htm
i guess my main question is what is the difference between music technology and music production
Well, I’ve been around here long enough to know that there is no definitive answer to that question. The terminology and names of the programs and what course work is involved seem to be a little different at every school. That’s why I suggested looking at the required class lists.
There is a huge list of thread links in post #4 in this thread that might be helpful: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/2058029-what-recommendations-for-a-liberal-arts-school-with-a-strong-music-production-component.html
The terminology varies from school to school and there is really no standardization of what each term means.
There are many threads on this, including the one on the forum right now.
Think about whether you want to go right into this field or get a broader education as an undergrad. Otherwise you will easily find programs that do the kinds of studio work you would like.
If you want to compose, that is a different matter. USC has a great grad school for film scoring but undergrads get a foundation first. Berklee has some film scoring, and many schools will have at least a few courses in it.
Good luck!
Look at the thread about music technology summer programs that just went up, too. It IS very confusing!
My son was/is interested in this. Every program is different and is called something different. For east coast take a look at Peabody, Berklee, Miami Frost, and NYU programs. You are just going to have to dig in to the course of study for each school and find out what they include and try to find out what their graduates are doing. Know that you will need to audition on an instrument or present a portfolio for composition at all of these schools for admission into any of their programs.
I helped my son research schools on the east coast for the same major. Like you said, all the schools seem to have a slightly different focus. Some want you to be musicians first before learning the technology involved and want you to audition. My son wants to produce electronic music and also gain knowledge of audio production, recording technology. and the business side of the music industry. He’s applied to Drexel, Temple, SUNY Oneonta, University of New Haven. U. Mass-Lowell has a good program but you have to audition. Same for SUNY Fredonia. I know I didn’t exactly answer your question but hope this helps anyway.
I just reread your post and think you might want to consider starting out in classical composition. That is the background needed for some of the career paths you listed. USC actually will not offer film scoring at the undergrad level so that grad students in their excellent film scoring program, have that background.
Composition involves a lot of work with technology, computers, and studio/lab work, where you would learn skills with programs like Max and Protools (which you may already have). There are programs in sonic arts and sound design as well. Check out Oberlin’s TIMARA and Brown’s MEME program for examples. UNT is very strong in electronic composition as is McGill.
For someone with a list of different things you might want to do, consider doing a broader undergrad degree in composition and then get specific for grad work. Do internships along the way.
If you do want to do a more specific undergrad degree, there will be many suggestions. UMass Lowell (audition), Northeastern, Columbia College Chicago (no audition), University of the Arts in Philly, College of St. Rose, U. of Denver (I think). Honestly you can pick up skills in studio production/technology in many ways at many schools.
music technology and music production? Its different at every school - and they are always evolving. . You’re going to have to find schools that fit your academic and financial profile, then research the specific details.
Can you get the same jobs if you have a Music Technology degree vs. Music Production degree?
We are saying that this terminology is not standardized. You have to look at the specific curriculum at the specific schools to make sure they offer the courses and training that you want.