The master of music degree in music technology innovation offers advanced studies to performers and composers who demonstrate excellent musical proficiency and technological acumen, and a desire to deepen their technology skills. Students in this program explore new artistic directions using innovations in music, technology, and the application of technology to music.
Students learn in individual, classroom, lab and studio settings to further their musical range by applying technology to create, compose, perform and produce music. This program is distinct from an audio engineering or electro-acoustic composition degree in its approach: students are not limited to studying audio or contemporary art music. They work in collaboration with Berklee’s world renowned faculty to develop and execute a culminating experience or thesis project that leverages music technology in a manner that best suits and speaks to their knowledge, skills, artistic vision and career goals.
Students are immersed in the study and application of hybrid arranging and production, remixing, editing and mixing, composition, interactive music and live performance. Likewise, they may choose to explore further studio recording, DJing and turntablism, interactive video and audio manipulation, post-production, expanded composition and performance topics, controller design, and cultural studies unique to electronic music.
The first-semester Innovation Seminar provides a foundation to the curriculum. Through the seminar, students explore the art and science of innovation, case studies of transformative musical innovators, and directly apply the principles of innovation to an advanced musical project. Supportive coursework includes Hybrid Recording Methods and Stratagems, Electronic Production and Live Performance, Non-linear Structures for Real-time Media, Interactive Music Technology Applications, Music Video Production and Dissemination, Advanced Studio and Interactive Performance Mixing.
Students’ project work will be guided through directed study with technology faculty members. In the final semester, students complete their culminating experience (thesis) projects and present them to the campus.
Students conceive and produce a body of work as they prepare for careers in music technology innovation, composition and production, interactive and mixed media, remixing, electronic musicianship, DJing, live performance in solo and ensemble settings, and education. Graduates are better prepared for rapid changes in the music industry and adaptable to new creative directions.
Courses
Fall Semester
Innovation Seminar 1
Hybrid Recording Methods and Stratagems
Electronic Production and Live Performance
Non-linear Structures for Real-time Media
Spring Semester
Innovation Seminar 2
Interactive Music Technology Applications
Music Video Production and Dissemination
Advanced Studio and Interactive Performance Mixing
Directed Studies or Electives in one or more of the following areas: Video Game Scoring Techniques, Music, Media and Society, Online and Social Media Management, Dramatic Electronic Composition, DJing and Turntablism, Remixing, Electronic Dance Music Composition, Turntable Ensemble, Advanced Recording Ensemble
Summer Semester
Culminating Experience
Program Purposes and Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
1. Create music utilizing innovation and technology
2. Master hybrid analogue/digital music production tools
3. Apply innovative technology to live performance
4. Analyze the emotional, kinesthetic, objective and subjective properties of music and sound
5. Develop critical listening and assessment skills
6. Speak in the language of music technology
7. Complete a culminating project at a master’s level
Academic Calendar
The master’s program runs from September to August. For a list of important dates for the upcoming intake, click here.
These are some examples of the career paths students can pursue after completing this program:
- Recording artist
- Music producer
- Remixer/DJ
- Interactive and mixed media specialist
- Live performer in solo and ensemble settings
- Electronic and acoustic composer and orchestrator
- Developer for musical applications and audio for games
- Sound designer for visual media
- Music technology hardware/software developer
- Education and research
- Recording engineer/mixer
Eligibility Requirements
Music technology innovation applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in music from an accredited institution, and demonstrate technological proficiency, musical excellence in performance and/or composition, leadership, motivation, intellectual curiosity, and promise of great achievement in their area of study.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Early action application deadline: November 30, 2012
Applicants who apply by November 30, 2012 will be notified regarding their acceptance by February 15, 2013.
Applicants to the contemporary performance master’s program who apply by November 30, 2012 and complete their audition by January 31, 2013, will be notified of their acceptance decision by Feb 15, 2013.
Regular action application deadline: March 1, 2013
Applicants who apply by March 1, 2013 will be notified regarding their acceptance by May 15, 2013.
Applicants to the contemporary performance master’s program who apply by March 1, 2013 and complete their audition by April 1, 2013 will be notified of their acceptance decision by May 15, 2013.
Extended application deadline: April 30, 2013
Applicants who apply by April 30, 2013 will be notified regarding their acceptance by May 31, 2013.
Applicants to the contemporary performance master’s program who apply and audition by April 30, 2013 will be notified of their acceptance decision by May 31, 2013.
Applications received after April 30, 2013 will be considered at the discretion of the admissions board.
Admissions Process
There are three steps in the admissions process:
1. Application and fee
2. Interview
3. Final admissions decision
For complete information about the admissions process, click here.
Tuition and Related Costs 2013-2014 academic year
Tuition Fee: $35,750
Tuition deposit (non-refundable. This deposit will be credited towards tuition charges): $2,500.00
Comprehensive fee: $1,100*
Late payment fee: $250
Late check-in fee: $250
*The comprehensive fee covers services and facilities that augment the students’ academic experience and includes, but is not limited to, students’ required registration into the Spanish educational system, students’ compulsory health insurance, and a variety of other services and facilities to which students have access.
Laptop and Software Requirements for the Master in Music Technology Innovation
Berklee College of Music requires all entering master’s students to own a laptop computer that meets certain standards established by the college’s academic and technology leadership. For over half a century, Berklee College of Music has been committed to preparing our students for the musical, technological, and business necessities of the world they will be entering. We firmly believe the laptop and software requirements stated in the below PDF provide students with a unique resource that will maximize the potent music education available only at Berklee and will help prepare students for successful entry into the music industry. Entering students should follow the information specific to their program.
You can find the laptop and software requirements in this PDF.