Music Engineering Undergraduate Degree

 

The University of Miami was the first American university to offer a four-year undergraduate degree program in Music Engineering. The Music Engineering program is among the University of Miami's most prestigious programs. Undergraduate students from the United States and overseas combine the study of music recording, music theory and performance, electrical engineering, computer engineering and computer science in a unique interdisciplinary program.This program also requires proficiency on a musical instrument or voice.

Course work includes studio and live music recording, mixing, post production, digital audio, acoustics, studio design, transducer theory, signal processing, film/video production, and audio design. In addition, students must play in ensembles throughout their four-year stay. Our graduates enjoy a very high placement rate in the professional and consumer audio industries. Many graduates occupy prestigious positions and have achieved great success in their work. For example, as recording engineers, graduates have recorded gold, platinum, and Grammy award-winning albums, and mixed the sound tracks of Oscar-winning motion pictures.

The Music Engineering Technology program is designed for students who desire a career in music recording, film and video production, audio equipment and software design, sound reinforcement, broadcasting, or studio design and installation. Students completing the undergraduate program earn a Bachelor of Music degree. They can choose a minor in electrical engineering (hardware study), or can double major in music engineering and computer science (software study). Both curricula tracks are completed in four years. Combining the study of music with technology ensures that graduates are proficient audio engineers as well as accomplished musicians.

Music Engineering students are expected to demonstrate expertise in three principal areas: music, music engineering, and hardware or software engineering. Music skills are gained in courses such as music theory, arranging, music history and literature, and instrumental or voice study. Studio classes emphasize audio theory, digital audio, acoustics and studio design, microphone and mixing technique, sound synthesis, and video production. Courses in electrical engineering might include computer programming, circuit theory, electronics, digital design, logic design, and microprocessors. Courses in computer science might include computer programming (C and UNIX), algorithm analysis, and software engineering.

The University of Miami Frost School of Music offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Engineering Technology (MUE). Both degree programs were the first of their kind, setting the NASM standard for music engineering technology education.