Bachelor of Music in Music Technology

Undergraduate students may choose from three concentration tracks: Electronic Performance, Electronic Composition, or Sound Recording. All undergraduate tracks include the University and School Of Music core curricula, along with specialized studies in computer software applications, music synthesis, electronic performance, electronic orchestration and audio recording techniques. Undergraduate students complete the traditional elements of the music curriculum while they gain expertise in such areas as electronics, recording theory, computerized music applications, music production, acoustics, and studio design and management. Students also gain the advantage of a true University education by completing Duquesne's core curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences, providing a well rounded education for meeting life's challenges beyond the field of music technology. Electronic Performance track: The Electronic Performance track emphasizes real-time and computer-assisted performance techniques and the use of electronic controllers, which allow all instrumentalists-including wind and string players, percussionists, keyboardists and guitarists-access to the latest digital technology. A wide variety of electronic instruments are available in the Music Technology labs, ranging from keyboards to guitar synthesizers to the Theremin. Students are also encouraged to bring or purchase their own electronic controller of choice; opportunities to perform include the Electronic Ensemble and various student recitals and recording projects. The Performance track culminates in the public presentation of a final performance project / recital. Sound Recording Technology track: At Duquesne, we realize that textbook education is not enough. That is why students in the Sound Recording Technology track make use of newly expanded facilities, including Multi-track Digital Audio Workstations such as Protocols, Amplitude, Logic, Nuendo and Sonar complemented with a complete analogue layout as well as digital tape based and RAM based storage. A digital music technology laboratory is equipped with a wide array of state-of-the-art synthesizers, sequencers; plug ins, computers as well as composition and music software. Duquesne's close ties with the music industry ensure that our studio and lab equipment remains the best available. Students work not only on their own projects, but engineer actual recording sessions for school of music ensembles, projects and professors providing the "real world" experience, which sharpens skills and fully prepares students for recording careers. In addition student’s can benefit from Duquesne’s relationship with the music industry by taking advantage of internships that have lead to many career opportunities. Electronic Composition track: The Electronic Composition track emphasizes the development of both traditional and contemporary compositional techniques, as well as acquiring skills in computer score notation and production for video, film and live productions. Student composers have many opportunities to have pieces performed in student ensembles and recitals, and are encouraged to explore combining multimedia presentation techniques with their original compositions. Composition majors will also learn basic audio skills and electronic performance techniques in order to record their pieces and develop a portfolio. Like the Performance track, the Electronic Composition track culminates in the public presentation of a final project / recital. Students applying to enter the Electronic Composition track of the Music Technology degree program must submit a portfolio of notated examples of their original compositions. Recorded and sequenced examples (Standard MIDI File Format I for General MIDI instruments) are optional but encouraged. In addition, applicants must pass all three other audition areas: performance on an instrument of their choice, theory and musicianship.