MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF MUSIC

PROGRAM (33 CREDITS)

The Master of Music in Music Technology builds upon the strong foundation of an undergraduate degree in music. Students can expect a rigorous graduate-level learning environment where they will use many hardware and software technologies to produce a variety of creative and strategic musical projects. Research, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of current and trending topics, texts, and human interaction with music will advance critical thinking skills . Students will have the opportunity to more fully define their Christian world-view and functional leadership skills as part of the program, both in theory and practice.

Applicants must submit a personal statement of purpose: approximately 500 words describing applicant’s professional goals and reasons for applying to this particular program. The statement of purpose will serve as a writing sample. The music department will review the personal statement of purpose before acceptance to the program is granted.

The program may be completed in 33 credit hours total. The degree may be earned in three summers or in a traditional two-year approach. Each course is 3 credit hours except applied-performance courses, which vary from 1 to 2 credits each.

 

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Students will creatively and effectively express music and communicate ideas through the use of music technology.

2. Students will perform quality academic research in the field of music technology using the most advanced and up to date scholarly works on music technology, and prepare them for entry into additional degree programs and doctoral studies.

3. Students will demonstrate interpersonal skills by leading and collaborating in music technology settings.

4. Students will integrate music technology knowledge and practice within the framework of Christian values and a Christian worldview.

5. Students will develop music ministry, education, and performance in schools, churches, and the broader community.

 

Additional specific goals for each track in the degree program are as follows:

COMPOSITION TRACK

After completing the Composition track in Music Technology, students will:

1. Apply the historical, philosophical, and research concepts of music technology to the practice of musical composition.

2. Master the technologies useful in the composition of music including the following: notation, music and video production.

3. Produce compositions integrating audio, video, and multimedia.

4. Present a capstone recital of original compositions developed in conjunction with their advisor.

5. Create a written description of their capstone project from a historical, descriptive, or research perspective.

 

EDUCATION TRACK

After completing the Education track in Music Technology, students will:

1. Apply the historical, philosophical, and research concepts of music technology to the practice of musical education.

2. Master the technologies useful in the music classroom including the following: notation, music production, electronic instruments, instructional software, multimedia, course systems including distance learning, and computer systems operation.

3. Produce audio, video, multimedia and print materials for the music classroom using music technology.

4. Effectively integrate music technologies including instructional software and programs which can be used to enhance instruction into the teaching of all areas of the music curriculum.

5. Complete a capstone project in curriculum development, education research, or other topic in music technology as directed by their advisor.

6. Create a written description of their capstone production project from a historical, descriptive, or research perspective.

 

PRODUCTION TRACK

After completing the Production track in Music Technology, students will:

1. Apply the historical, philosophical, and research concepts of music technology to the practice of musical production.

2. Plan, setup, record, edit, and produce audio and video musical productions using consumer and professional equipment in a manner that yields a professional and artistically satisfying result.

3. Complete production projects in which they indicate their ability to inspire and motivate musicians.

4. Complete production projects indicating their ability to create and work with a variety of audio and video media .

5. Complete a professional quality capstone project in which the students integrate audio and/or video as directed by their advisor.

6. Create a written description of their capstone production project from a historical, descriptive, or research perspective.

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – ALL TRACKS

MUS

510

Research Methodology

3 cr

MUS

515

Research Project

3 cr

MTN

595

Foundations of Music Technology

3 cr

Choose One

 

Music Theory Course

3 cr

MUS

520

Advanced Chromatic Harmony

 

MUS

535

Composition & Arranging for School Bands

 

MUS

560

Analysis of Beethoven Piano Sonatas

 

Choose One

 

Music History Course

3 cr

MUS

525

History of Jazz

 

MUS

530

Seminar in Music History

 

Choose Three

 

Applied Performance

3 cr

MTN

580

Applied Mixing

 

MUS

690

Composition

 

MUS

800

Applied Conducting

 

MUS

821

Applied Music Instruction – Piano

 

MUS

831

Applied Music Instruction – Organ

 

MUS

841

Applied Music Instruction – Voice

 

MUS

851

Applied Music Instruction – Guitar

 

MUS

861

Applied Music Instruction – Percussion

 

MUS

871

Applied Music Instruction – Woodwinds

 

MUS

881

Applied Music Instruction – Brass

 

MUS

891

Applied Music Instruction – Strings

 

TOTAL

 

 

18 cr

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS – BY TRACK

COMPOSITION TRACK

MUS

690

Composition

3 cr

MUS

530

Digital Music Production &
MIDI

3 cr

MTN

540

Digital Audio

3 cr

MTN

540

Digital Audio

3 cr

Choose One

 

 

3 cr

MTN

510

Advanced Notation (Finale)

 

MTN

511

Sibelius Certification

 

TOTAL

 

 

15 cr

 

EDUCATION TRACK

MED

510

Notation & Music
Production for K-12
Education

3 cr

MED

520

Multimedia and
Instructional Applications

3 cr

MED

530

Integrating Technology into
the Music Curriculum

3 cr

Choose One

 

 

3 cr

MTN

511

Sibelius Certification

 

MTN

530

Digital Music
Production & MIDI

 

Choose One

 

 

3 cr

MTN

540

Digital Audio

 

MUS

545

Pro Tools Specialist

 

MUS

550

Digital Video

 

TOTAL

 

 

15 cr

 

PRODUCTION TRACK

MTN

530

Composition

3 cr

MTN

540

Digital Music Production &
MIDI

3 cr

MTN

545

Digital Audio

3 cr

MTN

551

Digital Audio

3 cr

MTN

 

Elective

3 cr

MTN

535

Recommended: Sound Reinforcement

 

TOTAL  

15 cr

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MUSIC EDUCATION

MED 510 – Notation & Music Production for K-12 Education: 3 credits

The course will cover basic skills in music notation, music production, and electronic instruments in K-12 education. Participants will explore many ways to incorporate these tools into the curriculum. The course will be taught in a hands- on environment. Satisfactory participation in class activities and successful completion of several projects will be required.

 

MED 520 – Multimedia & Instructional Applications: 3 credits

The course will cover using computer instructional software, configuring and using computers on networks and the internet, and the basics of using digital media in K-12 education. Participants will explore ways to incorporate these tools into the curriculum. The course will be taught in a hands-on environment.

 

MED 530 – Integrating Technology into the Music Curriculum: 3 credits 

This course will provide a venue for creating lesson plans and study units to integrate technology into the K-12 music curriculum. Participants should be familiar with most of the common applications of music technology including music notation software, music production, the internet, and electronic instruments. Participants will incorporate music and other materials and activities from their curriculum into technology projects. The course will be taught in a hands-on environment. This course is designed for the teacher who has experience using technology as the goal is to apply the use of technology in the instructional setting. This course will not teach how to use software.

Prerequisites: MED 510 and MED 520, or completed a minimum of 2 courses in music technology, or comparable experience using music production software.

 

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

MTN 510 – Advanced Notation (Finale): 3 credits

This course is designed to train instrumental, choral, and classroom music specialists to use Finale for notating and printing music. Participants will learn how to input music using an external keyboard and print out scores and parts. Topics include: transposing band and orchestra parts; printing a choral score; music notation problem solving; incorporation of notation examples into word processors; composing and arranging music; and using notation software with students. Participants will bring several examples of music notation to be entered during the course.

 

MTN 511 – Sibelius Certification: 3 credits

A course designed to train instrumental, choral, and classroom music specialists to use Sibelius for notating and printing music. Participants will learn how to input music using an external keyboard and print out scores and parts. Topics include: transposing band and orchestra parts; printing a choral score; music notation problem solving; incorporation of notation examples into Word documents; composing and arranging music; and using notation software with students. Participants will bring several examples of music notation to be entered during the course. Successful completion of exams will lead to Sibelius certification.

 

MTN 530 – Digital Music Production & MIDI: 3 credits

This hands-on course is designed to build advanced skills in music production using Digital Audio Workstations and MIDI. The material will include explanations and demonstrations of specific programming, recording, editing, and arranging techniques for creating dynamic, musical productions in any musical style.

Pre-requisite: MTN 540 or permission

 

MTN 535 – Sound Reinforcement: 3 credits

This course will cover selecting, setting up and operating a sound system to achieve the best musical results. Topics include microphones, mixers, amplifiers, monitoring systems, effects, cables, wiring, acoustics, training, communications during performance, soundboard principles, and techniques for effective mixing.

 

MTN 540 – Digital Audio: 3 credits

This course explores modern techniques for recording, editing, mixing, storing, and sharing sound in digital form. Consumer grade and professional recording equipment will be used . Students will work with Apple Garage Band and Avid Pro Tools. This course is designed for the experienced computer user.

Qualified students may request permission to substitute advanced MTN courses.

 

MTN 545 – Pro Tools Specialist (Graduate): 3 credits

This course provides fundamental overview of the digital audio recording system Pro Tools . An exploration of Pro Tools principles including necessary skills to complete a Pro Tools project from initial set up to final mix . Projects including recording live instruments, MIDI sequencing of software synthesizers, or audio editing or region looping an all the key concepts and skills needed to operate a Pro Tools system at the User level will be examined. The course will cover official AVID courseware for ProTools 101 and PT 110. Successful completion of the official exams will lead to Pro Tools Specialist certification.

 

MTN 550 – Digital Video: 3 credits

Digital Video covers techniques for recording, editing and storing video. Entry-level and professional recording equipment will be used. All video projects will be stored on high-quality media but videos will also be converted to compressed formats. In-service teachers who complete this course will create several videos appropriate for music instruction in the K-12 classroom. The format of the course will alternate presentations with class activities in which student progress is assessed and in which the material presented is reinforced. Evaluation will be through written homework, completion of class projects, and the submission of a final project demonstrating techniques learned in class.

 

MTN 551 – Pro Tools Professional (Graduate): 3 credits

The coursework covers the core concepts and skills required to operate Pro Tools in a professional studio environment. The main topics in this course are followed by exercises that bring the student step-by-step through the Pro Tools functions that are critical for successful work in the digital audio field. Students will have access to Pro Tools Flex software. The course uses official AVID courseware including Pro Tools 201: Pro Tools Production II and Pro Tools 210 M: Music Production Techniques. Students may achieve Pro Tools Professional Certification upon successful completion of the 201 & 210 Certification Exams. Prerequisites: MTN 253 & 423 or MTN 545 and successful completion of ProTools Specialist Certification.

 

MTN 555 – Advanced Digital Video: 3 credits

Advanced Digital Video covers advanced techniques for recording, editing and storing video. Professional recording equipment will be used. All video projects will be stored on high-quality media but videos will also be converted to compressed formats. In-service teachers who complete this course will create several recordings appropriate for music instruction in the K-12 classroom. The format of the course will alternate presentations with class activities in which student progress is assessed and in which the material presented is reinforced. Evaluation will be through written homework, completion of class projects, and the submission of a final project demonstrating techniques learned in class.

Prerequisite: MTN 550

 

MTN 580: Applied Mixing

Offered at all levels of instruction . Projects would include mixing small and large ensembles of classical and contemporary instruments according to the student’s ability. 

MTN 595 – Foundations of Music Technology: 3 credits

A study of the philosophical and historical fundamentals of music technology. Covers purposes of media and music technology, principles of effective communication and musical performance, criteria for defining quality, principles of organizational leadership, applicable laws, and research and concerns within the discipline.

 

GENERAL MUSIC

MUS 510 – Research Methodology: 3 credits This course will train the student in the advanced skills of scholarly research, design, writing and documentation as a direct preparation for the final research project of the degree . An emphasis will be given to research techniques in music and music technology.

 

MUS 515 – Research Project: 3 credits

This course will consist of a major written project that reflects graduate-level research, creativity, and artistry in an area of study agreed upon and under the direct supervision of a professor who has specialization in the chosen topic of study in keeping with the degree . The final project must receive committee approval. This course requires a fee of $815 . If the project is not completed in one semester a project extension fee of $815 will be applied each semester until project is completed.

Prerequisites: MUS 510

 

MUS 520 – Advanced Chromatic Harmony: 3 credits

This course will provide an overview of music theory of the common practice period through the present.

Prerequisite: Sufficient score on entrance exam

 

MUS 525 – The History of Jazz: 3 credits

To introduce the student to jazz music with an overview of historical events, music, and social impact connected to the genre. An appreciation of this music will be encouraged through the emphasis of style, genre, and form representing the performers and composers along with their respective biographical data.

 

MUS 530 – Seminar in Music History: 3 credits

This course will provide an overview of music history from earliest recorded history through the present.

Prerequisite: Sufficient score on entrance exam.

 

MUS 535 – Composition & Arranging for School Bands: 3 credits

Students will create original compositions, arrangements, and transcriptions for band. Topics will include getting works published, the process for submitting unsolicited scores to publishers; the criteria for various levels of school band music, and creating the best demo recording. Participants will compose and/or arrange pieces for students in their ensembles.

 

MUS 560 – Analysis of Beethoven Piano Sonatas: 3 credits

This course is an in-depth analysis of several of the 32 Beethoven Piano Sonatas. Special attention is given to detailed analysis of harmony, tonal design, thematic interrelationships, recurring musical ideas, use of dissonances, formal structure, and metric ambiguity. The course includes score study, a listening exam and an analysis paper.

 

MUS 550’s – Special Topics in Music: 1-3 credits

The objective of these graduate-level courses is to provide students with the latest information on current topics in music. The relationship of the topic to the student’s profession will be emphasized. The courses will include reading assignments, and discussion of relevant research and historical contexts . Students will be evaluated based upon participation in class, performance on assignments, and a midterm and final exam.

 

MUS 560’s – Special Topics in Music History & Music Theory: 1-3 credits

The objective of these graduate-level courses is to provide students with the latest information on current topics in music history or music theory. The relationship of the topic to the student’s profession will be emphasized. The courses will include reading assignments, and discussion of relevant research and historical contexts. Students will be evaluated based upon participation in class, performance on assignments, and a midterm and final exam.

 

MUS 570’s – Special Topics in Music Education: 1-3 credits

The objective of these graduate-level courses is to provide students with the latest information on current topics in music education. The relationship of the topic to the student’s profession will be emphasized . The courses will include reading assignments, and discussion of relevant research and historical contexts. Students will be evaluated based upon participation in class, performance on assignments, and a midterm and final exam.

 

MUS 580’s – Special Topics in Music Technology: 1-3 credits

The objective of these graduate-level courses is to provide students with the latest information on current topics in music technology. The relationship of the topic to the student’s profession will be emphasized. The courses will include reading assignments, and discussion of relevant research and historical contexts. Students will be evaluated based upon participation in class, performance on assignments, and a midterm and final exam.

 

MUS 690 – Applied Composition

Lessons are structured to encourage creativity and to lead to the development of a unique individual style of composition. Initial lessons provide experiences in the style of major composers from the Baroque, Classic, Romantic, Impressionist, and Contemporary periods. Students will give attention to musical expression when writing for vocal and instrumental ensembles, and for various performers, occasions and media. Students enroll for 1 credit per semester and may repeat this course.

 

MUS 800 – Applied Conducting

Lessons in conducting are designed to refine conducting technique and further explore choral or instrumental literature .

 

MUS 821 – Applied Music Instruction – Piano

Lessons on piano designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

 

MUS 831 – Applied Music Instruction – Organ

Lessons on organ designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 

 

MUS 841 – Applied Music Instruction – Voice

Lessons on voice designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 

 

MUS 851 – Applied Music Instruction – Guitar

Lessons on guitar designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 

 

MUS 861 – Applied Music Instruction – Percussion

Lessons on an instrument from the percussion family designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 

 

MUS 871 – Applied Music Instruction – Woodwind Instruments

Lessons on an instrument from the woodwind family designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 

 

MUS 881 – Applied Music Instruction – Brass Instruments

Lessons on an instrument from the brass family designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

 

MUS 891 – Applied Music Instruction – String Instruments

Lessons on an instrument from the string family designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

 

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