Music Technology at Northeastern University

Abstract

Inititated in 1998 by Professors Dennis Miller and Anthony De Ritis, the Music Technology program at Northeastern University requires all students to take private lessons in music composition. During the first two years, emphasis is on acoustic instruments only. Acoustics and psychoacoustics play an important role in this process. Music Technology students are required to take embedded learning modlues, or ELMOs, introducing concepts in the physics and perception of sound in a hands-on laboratory environment. We believe ELMOs shorten the learning curve students require for the acquisiton of advanced orchestration skills and serves to heighten their awareness in sound design. Core courses include Interactive Real-Time Performance (using the MAX programming language), Composition for Electronic Insturments, Advanced Music Systems (including Kyma and C-Sound), and Sound Design, which includes the production of an entire radio drama for its final exam. At the end of their sophomore year, students have the option to apply for the Multimedia Studies Dual Major, grouping majors in music technology, animation, graphic design and digital imaging in multimedia-based projects. The Music Technology program is a leader in Education Technology at Northeastern, and was recently awarded a $25<th>000 grant to develop an internet-based course called Computer Literacy for Musicians.