The University of Texas at San Antonio
Music Technology Certificate Program

The University of Texas at San Antonio Department of Music now offers a Certificate in Music Technology. This unique program was developed primarily for music majors who have an active interest in this exciting, fast-growing discipline and who are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in one of the department's four concentrations: Music Studies (education), Music Marketing, Music Composition, or Instrumental/Vocal Performance. UTSA students in disciplines outside of music can also be accepted into the program subject to approval from the department’s music technology committee.

The program’s curriculum is based on a philosophy of training students to work with the most up-to-date tools commonly available-- affordable hardware and software that they can use in all aspects of real-world music production. By completing the 16 credit block of classes listed on the back of this flyer, students gain valuable practical skills in digital music production, audio recording, synthesis, studio operation, and multimedia integration. Upon graduation they receive with their diplomas the Music Technology Certificate as tangible evidence of those skills.

Students may declare their intention to participate in the certificate program at any time through personal interview with the program director; however exemplary performance in the first two courses, MUS 3313: Digital Music Production and MUS 3153: Audio Technology I, is required for full acceptance into the upper level of the program. At that point, certificate students begin to receive more individualized training and attention in the remaining courses. They are also offered additional opportunities--often paid--related to their specific skills.

To get more information on the program or to schedule a personal interview, contact:
Dr. Dave Sebald, Dlrector , UTSA Music Technology
Email: dsebald@aim-ed.com | Phone: 210 458-5327 | Office: AR 2.03.22

Music Technology Certificate Courses:

*MUS 3313: Digital Music Production (3 hours)
This is the entry course for UTSA's Certificate in Music Technology program. It is a survey of essential concepts and skills related to current computer based music production. Topics include MIDI and audio sequencing, tonal synthesis, acoustics, digital audio, audio editing, sound processing, basic live recording, and music distribution methods. Students also develop critical listening and evaluative abilities. The course is open to students in all disciplines at UTSA.

*MUS 3153: Audio Technology I (3 hours)
Usually the second course taken in the certificate program, Audio Technology I covers fundamentals of recording, playback, and sound reinforcement equipment operation. Topics include analog and digital recording principles, microphone selection and placement, and sound and recording engineering in live and studio applications. No previous musical background or recording experience required; however, an active interest in audio, recording techniques and sound reinforcement is necessary. The course is open to students in all disciplines at UTSA.

MUS 3123: Introduction to Electronic and Computer Music (3 hours)
This course is designed, on a practical level, to cover the equipment in the UTSA Electronic Studio. This includes the digital mixing console, digital tape machines, audio software, and some of UTSA’s MIDI synthesizers and samplers. It also covers many of the technical/theoretical aspects of electronic music so that students can adapt lessons learned here to other studios, different situations and the equipment of the future. Technical knowledge covered may include acoustics, FM synthesis, digital synthesis, sampling, MIDI, sequencing, and computer software. There is also a listening element in the course, where important and representative pieces introduce students to some of the multitude of possibilities open to them when creating music in the electronic studio. As these pieces are discussed, some of the history of electronic music is also covered.

MUS 3163: Audio Technology II (3 hours)
This is a continuation of MUS 3153 designed to familiarize students with more advanced concepts of audio engineering, digital sound, and studio operation. The course emphasizes production and post-production with professional software, hardware, and facilities. It includes much hands-on experience in UTSA’s new recording studio, recital hall, and other locations. It also serves as final preparation for potential internship at UTSA or local recording studio. (Prerequisite: Audio Technology I).

MUS 4433: Multimedia Production (3 hours)
This course is an overview of the theories, skills, and hardware/software components of current multimedia production. Topics include digital image editing, digital sound editing, vector graphics and animation, multimedia integration, game & simulation design, media web page development, and interaction programming in actionscript and javascript. Aspects of artistic design are also introduced. Emphasis is placed on hands-on development of useful, effective products for instructional and commercial applications.

MUS 4961: Music Technology Project (1 hour)
Under faculty guidance, students produce an audio or multimedia product that brings together their knowledge of an area in music or other discipline with their specific skills in music and media technology.

* (Starred courses must be completed with a record of exemplary performance for full acceptance into the certificate program.)

Other Music Technology Related Courses:

Although the following courses are not requirements of the certificate program, students may be interested in pursuing additional, more specialized preparation in the areas they represent. There is some flexibility at the upper end of the certificate program for course substitutions.

MUS 3311: Music Technology for Music Educators (1 hour)
This is a 2 semester sequence (1 credit per semester) designed especially for music studies majors. Topics include sequencing, notation, digital musical instruments, music instruction software, communication technologies, and digital media for the classroom. Students build online portfolios of technology projects for assessment and later use in job placement.

MUS 3172: Composition in Electronic Media (2 hours)
Prerequisite: MUS 3123. Private study in composition, with an emphasis on such electroacoustic music techniques as digital sound synthesis and sampling, including an in-depth study of various computer applications in music. Seminar attendance is required. May be repeated for credit.

MUS 4953: Special Studies in Music (3 hours)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Audio Technology III is currently listed in this category. Other music technology courses will be offered through this number as interest warrants. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor's degree.

Survey

Please take a moment to fill out this interest form. When we receive it, we will keep you informed of news and developments related to the program. If you would like more immediate information, contact Dr. Dave Sebald, music technology program director, at (210) 458-5327, or email: dsebald@utsa.edu.

this page & CGI script prepared by
Dr. David Sebald
Department of Music - UTSA
dsebald@aim-ed.com