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Subject · 138 verified programs

Music Technology: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs at the meeting point of music, computing and engineering, covering digital audio, software, interactive systems and research.

Also called: Music and Sound Technology, Sound and Music Computing, Music Informatics, Audio Technology, Musiktechnologie, Tecnologia musicale, Technologie musicale.

34 BA / BA (Hons) · 23 BM / BMus · 17 BS / BSc · 13 Certificate · 11 MM / MMus · 10 Other master’s award · 9 MA · 7 Other bachelor’s award · 5 MS / MSc · 4 BFA · 4 PhD · 1 DMA · 89 dedicated degree, 16 named major, 10 documented pathway, 23 official concentration

138 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 music technology study

Music technology is the study of the tools and systems used to create, analyze and distribute music. It draws on musical knowledge together with computing, signal processing and electronics. Depending on the program, students might build instruments or audio software, analyze sound with algorithms, design interactive installations or explore how people use technology to make music.

Curricula often include programming, digital signal processing, sound synthesis, recording, and human-computer interaction, alongside musicianship courses. Many programs encourage project work in which students design a tool, an app, a sensor-based instrument or a piece of interactive music. Research-oriented routes might touch on music information retrieval, machine learning or acoustics.

The subject is broader and more technical than music production, which is about making recordings, and than electronic music, which is about creative composition. It sometimes sits in engineering or computer science departments, which affects the entry requirements and the balance of music and technical content. Programs vary, so module lists are the best guide.

What study typically involves

  • Digital signal processing and audio programming
  • Sound synthesis, sampling and audio effects
  • Interactive music systems and sensors
  • Recording and studio techniques
  • Music information retrieval and analysis methods in some programs
  • Software and interface design for music
  • Acoustics and psychoacoustics
  • Musicianship, theory and listening

Award titles. Music technology is commonly recognized through the BSc, BA, BEng, BMus or BM at undergraduate level and the MSc, MA, MMus or MM at master's level, along with diplomas and certificates in some countries. Doctoral study is usually a research PhD, though some systems offer practice-based doctorates. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program is listed under Music Technology only when it is a dedicated music technology degree, a named major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. One audio software course does not count. Production and engineering programs have their own subjects.

Auditions and admissions guidance

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

Entry typically depends on academic qualifications, and programs with a technical bent may require mathematics, physics or computing at secondary level. Applicants are often asked to show musical interest or ability, which could be through an instrument or voice, previous projects or a short portfolio.

Some programs ask for examples of work, such as recordings, code, patches or prototypes, and may hold an interview to discuss interests. Music-focused routes might test theory or ear skills, while engineering-focused routes concentrate on the scientific background. Graduate applicants usually need a relevant first degree or equivalent experience and often a research proposal.

Expectations differ by institution and country, and by whether the program sits in music or engineering. Check the official admissions page for prerequisites and deadlines. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include merit scholarships, tuition waivers, teaching or research assistantships and studentships attached to research projects. Public loans or grants, industry-sponsored awards and professional society scholarships exist in some places.

Terms depend on the institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check with each program and funding body directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include a capable laptop or desktop, audio interface, microphones and headphones, software and plugin licenses, microcontrollers and sensors for project work, and conference or exhibition travel.