Bachelor of Science Music Technology & Innovation

There is no pause button in the evolving world of music technology or in music itself. So, how does the ongoing march of technology, with its ever-changing hardware and software, meld with the art of musical expression? This program shows you all the ways and prepares you to show the world as well.

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The future of music is where science intersects with art.

Music constantly evolves, and so does the technology that surrounds it. Our Bachelor of Science in Music Technology & Innovation combines skills in music and engineering to prepare students to be the leaders of our evolving sonic landscape.

Students in the program take courses in three interrelated areas: music history, theory, and aesthetics; sound recording methodology and technique; and musicianship.

In addition to these music and music technology courses, students choose one of two concentrations, which they pursue through courses in the University’s Tagliatela College of Engineering:

  • The Concentration in Electronics. This concentration places a focus on the analog technology of sound through classes in calculus, physics, and electrical engineering.
  • The Concentration in Digital Systems. With this concentration, students focus on the digital technology of sound through classes in computer programming, digital logic, and networking.

At the end of the program, students bring together these interdisciplinary skills in a capstone project in music technology that demonstrates both a technical understanding of sound and a musical understanding of technology.

Professional Guidance

A degree in Music Technology & Innovation focuses on contemporary and emerging technologies working with sound. Our faculty are artists and engineers engaged in the creation of new media, and that engagement informs our curriculum. These instructors also serve as academic and career advisers, assisting students as they navigate four years of college and prepare for future opportunities.

Learn by Doing

Music Technology courses are held in our recording studios and music technology lab. Classes feature cutting-edge learning environments, where students engage with the intersection of technology and aesthetics. Whether it's designing your own musical instruments, programming musical software for games, or composing unique music, students learn the technology to pursue their expressive voice.

Read about our cutting-edge music technology facilities..

Our program and professors encourage students to be actively ambitious and to engage in real-world practices while learning. Our recording spaces are open 24/7 for students to record bands or work on projects, and our university Makerspace provides the equipment and know-how for rapid prototyping of new music technology.

Music Technology & Innovation students also participate in our Nashville Study Away program, where they spend a semester in Nashville, Tennessee, an international hub for music creation and business. The program offers an array of courses and internship experiences that complement our students’ skill sets and knowledge. All classes, from "Studio Mixing" to "Music Production" to "Advanced Recording," are held at the world-famous Blackbird Studio.

It’s Not Where You’re From. It’s Where You Are Now.

The University of New Haven is located on the southern coast of Connecticut. Our location provides our students with multi-directional access to creative and work opportunities in places that fit their personalities and lifestyles. Students travel to New York City and Boston for a variety of work experiences and take advantage of the diverse music institutions and businesses located in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Our Music Technology students have worked at Blackbird Studio, Sennheiser, Sonalysts Media, Quad Studios, Repercussions Studios, Firehouse 12, Fox Sports NY, ESPN, Gillette Stadium, and other places.

Envision Your Future

The information below is designed to show the many possible careers you could pursue with your major. The research is provided by Encoura, the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on higher education. It includes median national salaries and industry growth projections over the next decade. Click here to view the full report.

$48K

Audio and Video Technicians

20% Growth 2021-2030

$52K

Music Directors and Composers

6% Growth 2021-2030

$53K

Sound Engineering Technicians

14% Growth 2021-2030

Selected Courses and Programs

  • Students will learn music- and audio-specific techniques in programming and electronics, applying them towards creative and aesthetic goals. Topics include audio programming, rapid prototyping, and other contemporary technologies.

  • This is a one-semester introduction to digital audio concepts, equipment, and practices, including sample rates, bit depth, file formats, Nyquist theorem, dither, computers, memory and hard-drive formats, interfaces, converters, and clocking technology. The course will also include introductions to industry-standard software, digital audio workstation platforms such as ProTools, Logic, Propellerhead Record, Ableton Live, Reaper, Digital Performer, Cubase, etc… and how the aforementioned digital audio concepts are integrated into each software platform.

  • Students will design and complete a project of their choosing in music technology, integrating their work in programming, electronics, and music production. Seminar will include student presentations alongside presentations on areas of professional interest, such as career opportunities and new development in studio techniques and technology.

  • Hip-hop recordings are commodified chronicles of listening and audio manipulation activities that exhibit a relationship between technology, aesthetics, and practice. This course is a hands-on examination and scholarly exploration of the technologies and practices of hip-hop music-making. Students engage with hip-hop’s music as a response to contemporaneous technologies available to DJs and beat makers. Through listening, musical analysis, and re-creation exercises, students investigate the instrumental component of hip-hop music heard on recordings, commonly referred to as beats. In this course, students make beats with the technologies and technical limitations that have defined the different periods of hip-hop music and reflect on their practice.

  • The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Music and Sound Recording, check out the Academic Catalog:

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

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Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development

All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.

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Unique Opportunities
Rein Records

Rein Records is the University of New Haven's student-run record label

We are a devoted group of individuals full of passion and creativity. For our student-run team, we use experiential growth, applying our skills and experience in new and innovative ways, and challenging ourselves to work smarter and stronger with every new endeavor we take on.

Nashville Study Away

Nashville Study Away

The University of New Haven is proud to partner with Blackbird Studio to offer a study-away program designed for students in our music majors. Nashville is the creative center of the American music business and a source for artists, songwriters, producers and engineers across the musical spectrum.

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Upcoming Events

Sunday, December 11

  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Various Dates

  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Next Steps

  • Whether you're still in high school or are transferring from another college, we offer full- and part-time opportunities for undergraduates from inside the U.S. and abroad. The admission process can begin as early as the end of your high school junior year.

    The Application Process

  • We offer a comprehensive financial aid program, with students receiving assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment. Funds are available from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and from university resources. More than 85 percent of the University's full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.

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