In the modern world, technology guides every aspect of our daily lives. This is increasingly so with music: technology mediates our daily engagement with music, whether we stream music videos online, listen to analog recordings, or attend live shows that are played over PA systems.

Nothing has proven our need for technology training more than the current pandemic. We often take these tools for granted until they are absolutely necessary for our everyday needs. 

Music technology is a constantly expanding field that involves recording, production, sound creation, composition, performance, software development, engineering, data analysis, and preservation. It also interfaces with various disciplines from architectural acoustics to sound ethnography.

The core courses of the technology minor provide training in fundamental music technology skills including recording, production, and sound synthesis. The student can then choose courses to mold their musical path according to their interests and major.

For an overview of various careers that encompass music technology, please visit the Careers guide at Berklee College of Music.

• Please contact Dr. Rush to declare the minor. 

• There is no deadline to declare (other than graduation), but it WILL make it easier to plan your requirements (and helps your advisor too!). It's as easy as filling out a form (and vice-versa if you wish to un-declare).

• Your advisor will remain your major advisor. 

• For questions or concerns about the minor, please contact Dr. Rush.

• Tech Component (core music tech): MUS 223 should be taken before 323. While there is no pre-req for 223, taking the theory component will make things easier.

• Theory Component (theory & notation): If you know how to read music, you can dive right into this. Otherwise, it may be easier if you have a little practice first (either as applied lessons or a class piano/guitar elective). 

  • • • MUS 115 is highly suggested if you have little to no musical experience, but it also is a great overview course for those who want more breadth than depth. 

      • MUS 111/113 is suggested if you want more intense theory training (these are the courses that music majors take).

• History Component

  • • Any course designed for majors will require a pre-req (i.e. HST 103 or REL 103 or a theory component). 

    • Non-major courses generally do not have a pre-requisite so you can take them whenever you wish.

    • These are great for fulfilling CAP components!

• Applied Study (private lessons): Do you play an instrument or sing?

  • • If yes: contact the private lesson teacher for your instrument to discuss taking lessons.

    • If no: We highly suggest taking some beginning lessons in voice, piano, guitar, or drums. Please contact Dr. Rush to inquire. 

    • We also encourage private lessons in Electronic Music Performance

• Electives: Any ensembles or other music courses can accommodate these credits. If you have no previous musical performance experience, we recommend taking a group piano or guitar class (see below for suggested courses).