The Bachelor of Science in Music Technology combines music engineering and production, music theory and performance, mathematics and computer science, music business, and electronics. Students learn how to operate a recording studio, use recording and mixing consoles and digital audio workstations, sound reinforce and record live concerts, build and solder electronic circuits, and professionally mix and record music. Students and graduates put those skills to use in internship and work opportunities at local studios, live sound venues and production companies, and audio equipment manufacturers.
The Music Technology program was established at UNC Asheville in 1982. We have a wide array of analog and digital recording equipment, including Pro Tools Ultimate recording systems with Lynx and Digital Audio Denmark interfaces, a 16 track analog tape machine and SSL AWS 900+ recording and mixing console in our main studio control room, a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 mix room, and two Midas consoles for live sound reinforcement and recording. Our SSL hybrid analog console also functions as a digital control surface for our studio Pro Tools system. We have an electronic music lab fully-outfitted with gear invented and built by electronic music pioneer (and former UNC Asheville Music Professor) Dr. Bob Moog. Courses are taught in UNC Asheville’s recording studio, our immersive sound mixing/editing/mastering studio, and our 14-station electronic keyboard classroom.
Major and Course Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Music Technology
NOTE: An instrumental or vocal audition is required to be considered for admission to the B.S. in Music Technology degree program. In order to be accepted into a UNC Asheville music degree program, applicants must first pass an instrumental or vocal audition placing them into MUSC 291 or higher. The audition requirements are posted at music.unca.edu/auditions.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that students pass an audition before enrolling at UNC Asheville.
Accepted students are eligible to formally declare their major after passing an audition for the degree program.
In order to begin the Music Technology course sequence, students must have passed an audition into the Music Technology major and declared the Music Technology major (declaration requirements indicated in the course catalog) and taken the courses Introduction to Music Technology, Aural Skills I, and Music Theory I.
Music majors pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete a minimum of four semesters of ensembles recommended by the Director of the Music Technology Program and approved in writing by the department chair.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Music Technology provides preparation for entry-level positions in recording and the technology-based areas of the music industry, and for graduate work.
I. Required courses in the major— 45 hours, including: MUSC 160, 201, 202, 231, 232, 263, 264, 301, 331, 384, 385, 386, 387, 484, 485, 486, 487; 8 hours of music history, including one course from MUSC 348 or 349, and one course from 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348 or 349 (whichever not previously chosen), 350, 357, 366, 367, or 368; 3 hours of music technology electives chosen from MUSC 300 or 358; 4 hours of ensemble chosen from MUSC 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 128, 129. Students who do not take and pass the placement exam for MUSC 101, 130 and 131 will be required to take these courses prior to enrolling in MUSC 201 and 231.
II. Required courses outside the major—16 hours: MATH 167; PHYS 131, 231, 310.
III. Other departmental requirements—Major competency is demonstrated by an approved senior recording or research project, to be undertaken in conjunction with MUSC 485 and 487.
Review UNC Asheville’s Course Catalog for all course descriptions and degree requirements.
Senior Project & Comprehensive Exams
All B.S. candidates are required to complete a senior recording or research project and pass an oral competency exam. Internships (up to 6 hours) are available (but not required) to qualified students.
Sample Curriculum for the B.S. in Music Technology Degree
This Sample Curriculum is provided as an aid to the student. It is not the definitive statement of degree requirements. It is the sole responsibility of the student to know and satisfy their degree requirements. When in question, consult the course catalog published during the year you were accepted into the degree program at UNC Asheville. Also, refer to Department of Music guidelines for additional requirements. The Office of the Registrar can also provide information and assistance.
Format: Course number, course title or category, (number of credit hours)
- MATH167 Precalculus (4)
- PHYS131 Introductory Physics I (4) Spring
- PHYS231 Introductory Physics II (4) Fall
- PHYS310 Electronics (4) Spring
- MUSC172 Introduction to Music Technology (2)
- MUSC384 Audio Engineering Tech. I (2) Spring
- MUSC386 Audio Engineering Tech. II (2) Fall
- MUSC484 Audio Engineering Tech. III (2) Spring
- MUSC486 Audio Engineering Tech. IV (2) Fall
- MUSC385 Recording Studio Practicum I (1) Spring
- MUSC387 Recording Studio Practicum II (1) Fall
- MUSC485 Recording Studio Practicum III (1) Spring
- MUSC487 Recording Studio Practicum IV (1) Fall
- Aural Skills I, Spring (1)
- Aural Skills II, (1) Fall
- Aural Skills III (1); Spring
- Theory I, Spring (3)
- Theory II, Fall (3)
- Theory III (3); Spring
- Studio Musicianship I (2)
- Studio Musicianship II (2)
- Music History I (3)
- Music History II (3)
- 4 hours of ensembles
- 3 hours of Music Technology electives