Bachelor of Music in Music Technology

Music Technology at WSU prepares students for a variety of careers in the music industry with an emphasis on studio engineering, production, writing, and music business. Music Technology students develop practical skills through hands-on experience with professors who have decades of experience as sound engineers and producers. Graduates have been hired as engineers, composers, and sound designers, or become entrepreneurs in the recording industry.

Music Technology facilities at WSU include a full recording studio and a multi-work station sound design lab. Music Technology students professionally record all Department recitals and concerts in the Schaver Music Recital Hall sound booth. Coursework includes computer management, studio recording techniques, production, sound synthesis and sound design. The Bachelor of Music degree requires piano, theory/ear training and history. Music Technology majors will also have non-music math (MAT 1800) and engineering classes added to their class requirements.

Field internships typically begin in the third year of study and last two semesters.  Students have held internships at advertising agencies, WDET (Detroit Public Radio), and local recording studios.  Internships provide real-world experience and networking opportunities.  Discuss internships and job opportunities with your advisor prior to registering for internship credits.

Music Technology classes are valuable to all music students, as the curriculum increases knowledge and understanding of studio operations when recording music professionally.

Entrance Requirements  
Prospective students must audition on their primary instrument before an audition committee on one of four annual audition dates.
It is helpful for applicants to have some experience in recording or related fields.

Auditions and Advising     
1. Apply to Wayne State at www.admissions.wayne.edu

2. Submit an Audition Form to the Department of Music at www.music.wayne.edu.  Auditions take place each November (for January admission), February, March, and May (for September admission).  Students will audition on their primary instrument before an audition committee. On audition day, prospective students will take a Music Theory Placement Exam (15-20 minutes), which indicates the level of theory class appropriate for the first semester of study.

3. Prepare a technical resume indicating all hardware (mixing consoles, microphones, etc.), and software (OS with version numbers, sequencing and/or audio DAW platforms) abilities.  Additional recordings (CD or emailed MP3’s) should be listed on this resume indicating what the student’s specific involvement in the recordings, such as recording engineer, musician, writer, producer, etc.

4. Once accepted, meet with Prof. Tom Court for advising.
For all advising meetings you should bring copies of your transcripts, current class schedule if not available on your transcripts. When accepted to Wayne State you’ll be assigned a “pipeline” account were you could access and print this information. Transfer students will also have a list of what classes WSU has accepted.
           
Note: Even if WSU has accepted outside music classes, they will need to be secondarily approved by the Department of Music.
           
If you are switching declared majors within Wayne State go through steps 2, 3, and 4, and meet with University Advising, 1600 UGL, 577-2680. Advising will provide a Change of Major form, which must be signed by both your previous department and the Department of Music.