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About Music and Technology program


The Music and Technology program at Carnegie Mellon offers students both a Bachelors of Science in Music and Technology and a Master of Science in Music and Technology. Both degree programs offer a set of courses that exemplify a commitment to interdisciplinary study, with classes spanning the campus's different schools.

During their course of study, students in each of our programs develop a comprehensive capstone project, either a composition, design, or performance, that showcases their work in their chosen area of study.


Applications should be submitted through the School of Music.


View the detailed process for applying to M.S. in Music and Technology program

Areas of Study:


The Music Technology degree programs are largely self-directed, with students working with advising faculty developing their craft in a chosen field. In this way, the Music and Technology program is incredibly customizable, with options for practiced musicians as well as students interested in the interdisciplinary study of music. Many students have developed work in the following fields:


Recording technology - The art and science of recording music

Audio Engineering - The design and analysis of electronics, algorithms, sensors, and transducers for audio, including studies in digital audio effects and developing new musical instruments and interfaces

Interactive Music Software - Real time performance using computers

Music Information Retrieval - Developing music databases, data mining, and large scale content based search

Sound Synthesis - Models of sound production and control, including both realistic simulations of traditional instruments and completely new sounds

Music Languages - Exploring effective ways to program music applications, including programming systems and live coding

Musical robotics - Electro-mechanical instruments played by computers

Music Composition - With a focus on electro-acoustic music using state-of-the-art tools and techniques

Music Performance - With an emphasis on live electronic and interactive systems

Music Theory - Especially computer models and implementations, algorithmic composition, and the use of timbral and spectral models