Bachelor of Music - Music Technology and Commercial Music Option University of Central Missouri, USA

Do you plan to work in music production, audio engineering or run live sound for events? Perhaps you want to be a professional musician, composer or arranger focused on jazz or commercial music. The University of Central Missouri’s Bachelor of Music in Music Technology and Commercial Music program encourages multiple styles and diverse ways to create and work with the latest music technology tools, regardless of your career goals.

Music technology is a growing field, influenced by a balance of skill, creativity and industry and commercial needs. You’ll perfect your craft alongside your peers at UCM in numerous small and large ensembles. You’ll also have many opportunities to interact with renowned musicians in the vibrant Kansas City music scene and guest artists who conduct clinics and perform with students on our campus.

A career-focused music degree from a widely recognized university

Is your laptop your instrument? UCM is one of the few colleges with a Music major in technology accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). We’re one of only five accredited institutions that allow students to take lessons on technology-based instruments to pursue any degree in music.

What you will study

Students focusing primarily on music technology receive a comprehensive education in audio engineering, music production and sonic creativity, including performing and composing in technology-based formats. Meanwhile, students focusing on jazz composition and commercial music gain a background in all aspects of jazz-commercial music, founded on the harmonic language of the Bebop era and going on to avant-garde, hip-hop and more. Students are free to choose courses from both sides of the option.

UCM’s program curriculum has attracted national and international recognition among colleges with Music Technology and Commercial Music majors. Some classes you may take include:

• Digital Audio Production: In pursuit of your music production degree, you’ll use industry-standard software and hardware to master the complete audio production process, from recording and editing to mixing and mastering.
• Electronic Music Production Techniques: Apply tools such as MIDI, synths, samplers, loops and more to create hip-hop, dance, ambient or your own new electronic music.
• Music Business Practices: Build your brand with web design, social media and other essentials such as copyright, performance rights and client management.
• Jazz-Commercial Arranging: Master the harmonic language underneath jazz composition and commercial music and learn to craft catchy, compelling arrangements.