What you will study

Music Technology majors at the University of Central Missouri receive a comprehensive education in audio engineering, music production and sonic creativity, including performing and composing in technology-based formats. You’ll learn everything from how to run cables and use a variety of professional microphones to how to manage people and record, mix and master finished tracks. 

UCM’s faculty regularly consult with global instructors about our program curriculum, which has attracted national and international recognition among colleges with a music technology major. Some of the classes you may take include:

• Digital Audio Production: Use industry-standard software and hardware to master the complete audio production process, from recording and editing to mixing and mastering. 
• Audio for X: Master tools, techniques and creative approaches to creating audio and designing sound for various environments, such as films, video games and interactive media.
• Sound Reinforcement and Music Production: Take a deep dive into live sound as you learn to use everything from microphones and mixing consoles to stage monitors, in-ears and large PA systems.
• 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 own brand with web design, social media and other essentials such as copyright, performance rights and client management.

Most classes for Music Technology majors are small in size, so your professors will know you and your career goals and can help prepare you to compete in the job market or as an entrepreneur.

Unique learning opportunities in music technology

UCM’s major in Music Technology provides extensive opportunities for hands-on experience. Nearly every Music Tech class involves working, creating and producing:

• Internships: Students have interned in Paris, London and around the United States at recording and film studios, audio/visual installation companies and other industry hubs. You’ll build real-world experience that can lead to job offers and enduring industry connections.
• Music technology seminar: Capstone projects for UCM majors in Music Technology allow you to pursue your own interest areas and build your professional portfolio. Students have produced EPs and custom-designed sound for video games, among other creative projects. 
• Active student groups: UCM’s student chapter of the Audio Engineering Society hosts field trips and runs sound for regional venues and events. The New Technologies Ensemble selects living composers’ pieces to perform on technology-based instruments. UCM has many performance ensembles for voice and traditional instruments in a variety of styles. These opportunities provide a foundation to collaborate and network with peers from other colleges with music technology majors.

What can you do with a major in Music Technology from UCM?

Many UCM alumni are working in some of the world’s most renowned recording and mastering studios. Others have joined the audio teams of major corporations, churches, theaters and concert venues. If you’d like to run your own business, our major in Music Technology will help prepare you for success in audio engineering, composition or music production, as well as a variety of roles in the music technology industry. Our first-destination placement success rate — for employment, graduate school or launching a music technology-related business — is 100%.

Get started on a creative career path

Use the interactive tool below to explore your career options and salary potential when you graduate with a major in Music Technology from the University of Central Missouri.

Financial assistance options for Music Technology majors

The University of Central Missouri offers a variety of resources for financing your undergraduate education to help keep your college costs and student debt low.

Beyond general scholarships and awards available through the university, numerous scholarships are available specifically for Music Technology majors, including:

• Music Merit Scholarships
• Music Technology Alumni Foundation Scholarships
• Music Service Awards
• Presidential All-State Music Scholarships
• Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.

As a major in Music Technology, you may also qualify for UCM Service Awards. These are given in recognition of service to the University of Central Missouri, such as playing in the marching band, the Service Jazz Combo or Service String Quartet, or tutoring students in music theory.

24/7 access to one of the Midwest’s premier recording spaces

A leader among colleges with a music technology major

UCM’s renovated facilities include sonically isolated control rooms, vocal booths, drum and ensemble rooms, three recording studios and project studios. Music Technology majors also use:

• Industry-standard hardware and software
• A dedicated area for hardware repair and building
• Live event facilities and equipment

Meet Tyler M.

BM Music Technology ’11 - VP Operations, HMXLive

“HMXLive specializes in providing audio, lighting and video services for live events, and many of our employees are UCM Music Technology graduates. UCM has been one of our main sources of entry-level talent for many years. There is an even larger demand than ever for skilled workers in the Live Event industry — and a shortage of talent to meet these demands.”

Meet Our Faculty

Internationally acclaimed industry professionals

Study with Ph.D.-level professors who perform worldwide and are recognized leaders and researchers in music technology. Their industry experience includes working as producers, composers, recording artists and audio engineers. Their scholarly and creative works are regularly featured at international festivals and conferences.

Meet Michael C.

BM Music Technology ’05 - President, Bluefox Productions

“I see a consistent need for well-educated technicians with a solid grasp of the fundamentals of audio and production technique and the skill of continual learning. The new virtual event landscape requires even more skilled labor, and I spend a considerable amount of time seeking new talent to help meet our ever-growing demands in the live event industry.”

Get Your Hands On World-Class Gear

UCM is fully equipped with advanced music technology

UCM’s studios feature mixing consoles by SSL, Rupert Neve, Midas and Slate, with monitoring by Genelec, plus a variety of microphones, including Neumann, Royer, AKG, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Shure, Earthworks, ElectroVoice and more. Along with our extensive outboard gear, you’ll learn on the same tools professionals use every day in LA, New York and Nashville to make chart-topping music and audio.

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Top-Notch Professional Facilities

UCM’s Music Technology Studios recently received a 1-million-dollar makeover to our 6,000 square feet of facilities. As a Music Technology major at UCM, you have 24/7 access to all of it. With sound-isolating walls, doors and windows throughout and custom-designed acoustic treatments, we have plenty of room for our world-class equipment. The new facilities were designed by UCM Music Technology program founder Dr. Eric Honour, and all of it is dedicated to music technology and audio production.

UCM’s Music Technology program is nationally prominent and our alumni are working all over the country. Hands-on learning in these new facilities will help prepare you to join them.