Music Technology Minor

Frequently-Asked Questions

Music Technology is a large field. What is the focus of this minor?

The focus is on creative activity and research within the following fields: sound synthesis techniques, programming for computer-based musical instruments (both sound design and live-performance control), development of human-computer interfaces for musical performance and research, and electronic music composition.

I am interested in recording. Are there courses in recording techniques and sound reinforcement?

There is considerable interest in recording and sound reinforcement technologies at ISU on the part of faculty and students alike. This currently is an area left for future development. Students in the music technology program do gain experience associated with recording: they use Pro Tools with projects that involve mixing and mastering with audio files and processing plug-ins, edit sound files, and record/edit audio files for use in sampler instrument designs. There is however no facility in which to learn studio session recording, so this is not part of the curriculum at this time. Advanced students find employment in concert recording with the department of music. This includes training in live recording and webcasting of Classical and Jazz concerts. Most students going through our music technology minor with a career interest in recording attend summer workshops in larger metropolitan areas or as part of summer music festivals.

What kind of musical experience do I need for this minor?

It depends on where you want to start. Basically, you should already read music at least at the level required of a high school instrumental ensemble, or lessons on an instrument such as piano or classical guitar. You should be able to read pitches and rhythms in at least one clef, with experience playing in some different scales and keys. One does not need to have had extensive traditional training in Classical music. For those whose experience has been primarily through improvisation, without reading, this improvisation should have had a strong conceptual basis in rhythm, scales, harmony, and melodic variation. Music 101 and 105 are available as entry level theory courses for non-majors, and may be required prior to entering the music technology sequence.

I took Music 102. Does this provide the experience I need?

Music 102 is a wonderful course! However, to work with MIDI you need more practical foundational theory than 102 would provide. See Music 101 or 105.

What kind of technology experience do I need for this minor?

Basic comfort with computer operating systems is all you need to start. You do not need prior knowledge of music software and hardware. It would be helpful to have some experience with Macintosh computers, but given the similarities to Windows, most students learn the minor operational differences very quickly.

I am a music major. May I take a music technology minor?

Yes. Be aware that music courses outside the core of 246, 346 or 446 and 490I (when available) may not be used as electives in this minor. If you are a B.M. in music you also cannot count Physics 198 in the music minor (you may if you are a B.A. in music). You also need to be aware of the limit of nine credits that cannot be used for other degree requirements.

It is strongly advised that you take computer programming and/or software engineering courses for your electives in the minor, unless you already have the equivalent and have the prerequisites for more advanced computer science and engineering coursework.

Do I need to take 246, 346, and 446 in sequence?

You need to begin with 246 unless you have prior experience in sound editing, regions tracking, simple bussing/mixing techniques, and the fundamentals of MIDI formats/encoding and audio waveforms. With either completion of 246 or equivalent experience, you may then register for 346 and 446 in any order. Because 246 is taught each semester, you may immediately follow with either 346 or 446. For planning purposes, note that 346 is a Spring course and 446 is a Fall course.

Great! I want this minor. How do I begin?

First, register for 246 as soon as you can put it into your schedule (and have gained the prerequisite). Also, if you are already a sophomore or junior, you should declare the minor using paperwork obtained from your academic advisor. Check with your home department/college advisor in advance to make sure the course plan on the form does not include more than nine credits you would need to use for other degree requirements (for example, used as tech electives in an engineering major). If you already have declared another minor, you need to first submit a form to cancel this minor, then submit the new declaration for a music technology minor.

Other questions? you may contact Dr. Christopher Hopkins