Music Technology is a rapidly expanding
area of study offering a multitude of career options for graduates
interested in working in the music and media industry. The range
of degree courses available cover all aspects of the subject, but
each will have a specialist approach. The prospective student would
be advised to consider each course carefully before making a decision.
Music Technology now forms an integral part of most traditional
Music degree courses, providing an introduction to the subject within
the framework of an academic course covering aspects of music, history,
performance and composition.
However, an increasing number of specialist Music Technology courses
are available. There are, broadly speaking speaking two categories
of course and the prospective student should be aware of the differences
at nearly stage as the entry requirements may not be the same. The
first type of course approaches the subject from theoretical point
of view is vocational in origin, aiming to equip to graduates for
a career in the recording and broadcast industries at the operational
level. Integral to some courses will be an examination of the electronics
side of the subject together with the study of acoustic theory.
Entry requirements may include A-level Physics and/or Mathematics,
in addition to A-level Music and may lead to the award of a BSc.
A second type of course examines the more creative aspects of the
subject with composition given a prominent place. Recently established
courses, developing out of the BTec Performing Arts, Popular Music
and Music Technology courses are more concerned with the creative
application of the technology within a commercial environment. Song
writing and live recording skills are explored practically alongside
an examination of the business aspects of the subject. Entry requirements
here may be more flexible, perhaps not requiring students to have
taken the traditional A-level Music route.
Some of the courses biased towards the recording aspect of the
subject are developed and taught in partnership with recording industry
specialists, often within a commercial recording studio environment.
Other courses are moving towards the integration of music and video
technologies, in accordance with developments in the industry, giving
students the opportunity to explore the production of music and
sound for film and television soundtracks as well as developing
skills in aspects of camera operation, direction and production.
Choosing to study a Music Technology at University, whether as
part of a Music degree or as specialist course, can open up an exciting
career in the music and broadcast industries and could lead to your
name being listed on the production credits of that of highly successful
T.V. series or hit album.
Author: Andrew Bates (Music Programme Co-ordinator, University
College Scarborough)
This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain
