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Subject · 58 verified programs

Electronic Music: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs that explore sound synthesis, computer music, sound art and live electronic performance as a compositional and performing practice.

Also called: Electroacoustic Music, Computer Music, Sonic Arts, Sound Art, Electronic Composition, Elektronische Musik, Musica elettronica, Musique électroacoustique.

18 Other master’s award · 15 Other bachelor’s award · 8 BA / BA (Hons) · 4 MA · 4 MM / MMus · 2 Certificate · 2 Other diploma · 2 BM / BMus · 1 MFA · 1 BFA · 1 PhD · 20 dedicated degree, 8 documented pathway, 28 named major, 2 official concentration

58 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About electronic music study

Electronic music study centers on making music with electronic and digital sound sources. This includes analog and digital synthesis, sampling, computer-based composition, live electronics, interactive systems and fixed-media works for loudspeakers. The field has roots in studio experiments of the twentieth century and now spans experimental art music, club and dance culture, installation and sound art.

Students typically learn the technical foundations, such as signal flow, synthesis methods, digital audio and programming environments, alongside aesthetic questions about structure, space and listening. Many programs include multichannel diffusion, performance with controllers or sensors, and collaboration with dancers, visual artists or instrumentalists.

Electronic music differs from music production in that its priority is original sonic and compositional work rather than polishing commercial recordings, and from music technology in that it emphasizes creative output over engineering or research. Programs vary between experimental and club-oriented approaches, so faculty interests and studio facilities are informative.

What study typically involves

  • Sound synthesis and sampling techniques
  • Computer music programming, such as visual or text-based environments
  • Studio techniques, recording and sound design
  • Composition for fixed media and multichannel space
  • Live electronics and interactive performance
  • Listening, analysis and history of electronic and electroacoustic music
  • Acoustics and psychoacoustics basics
  • Collaboration with dance, film or installation projects

Award titles. Electronic music is commonly recognized through the BM, BMus, BA or BSc at undergraduate level and the MM, MMus, MA, MFA or MSc at master's level, depending on whether the program leans toward music, art or technology. Doctoral options include the DMA and the PhD, sometimes practice-based. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program appears under Electronic Music only when it is a dedicated electronic or computer music degree, a named major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. A single synthesis class does not count. Programs centered on commercial recording are listed under music production or audio engineering.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Applicants are usually asked for a portfolio of their own work, often as audio files with short notes on tools and ideas. Panels look for creative thinking, sound awareness and commitment more than for expensive equipment. Some programs also ask for scores, patches, code samples or video of live performances.

Interviews are common, and programs may test basic musicianship and listening skills. Technically oriented routes can ask about maths, physics or programming experience, while art-oriented routes may weigh the applicant's statement and wider cultural interests. Graduate applicants are usually expected to propose a project and show a developed portfolio.

Portfolio rules differ from those for composition or performance, and vary by institution and country. Check the official admissions page for formats and deadlines. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include portfolio-based scholarships, studio or lab assistantships, tuition waivers and fellowships. Sound art residencies, festival commissions, arts council grants and competitions in electroacoustic music also exist and are sometimes open to students.

Terms vary by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Contact each program and funding body for current details.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include a capable computer, audio interface and monitors or headphones, software licenses, synthesizers or controllers, storage, and travel or entry fees for festivals and competitions.