Music technology and digital media production underpins everything from audio engineering, music composition, music performance and sound synthesis. An understanding of music technology will prepare you a wide variety of music-related careers including production, teaching and independent artistry.
Program Overview
Master the tools and technology of digital media production.
The Music Technology minor is an introduction to theory, acoustics, production techniques and programming fundamentals. The minor was designed to meet the evolving demands of the digital media industry to include coursework in everything from Computer Science to the Physics of Music. Through the immersive curriculum and hands-on opportunities on-campus, you’ll gain the skills and experience to secure creative and professional opportunities in digital recording and production in film studios, recording studios and advertising agencies. The minor is also enriching to other social science fields and can be complementary to other disciplines.
Students in Western’s music programs will also be afforded the opportunity to garner group and solo performance experience in the Kincaid Concert Hall, which offers a schedule of annual concerts open to student, faculty, staff and community member attendance.
The WCU Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Making music
Western Music Technology students learn to make music with modern-day technology, which includes tackling subjects like algorithms, mixing and composition.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
Designed to expose students to recording practices, electronic music composition, and other topics occurring at the intersection of music and technology. A minimum of 19 credits is required. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses counted toward the Music Technology Minor.
Required courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 129 | Theory of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 131 | Theory of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 212 | Introduction to Music Technology | 1 |
| MUS 313 | Music Production | 3 |
| Select at least nine credits of the following: | 9 | |
CS 140 | Game Programming for Beginners | |
CS 190 | Computer Science I | |
CS 191 | Computer Science II | |
CS 380 | The Internet of Things | |
MUS 254 | Theory of Music III | |
MUS 341 | Theory of Music IV | |
MUS 412 | Music Technology II | |
MUS 413 | Music Production II | |
PHYS 115 | Physics of Music | |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
Careers
Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.
Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation. Wondering how you can apply your program of choice to your intellectual and personal journey? Check out our “What Can I Do With This Major?” tool to explore the diverse opportunities and pathways within any degree program.
Scholarships
Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.
Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.
Find your ScholarshipsWestern’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.
Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.
Find your ScholarshipsAlumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.
Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.
- This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
- Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
- GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).
Due date has been extended to April 30 for 2024. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).
Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:
- This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
- Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
- The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
- GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).
The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.
Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship
The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.
Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).
- Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
- The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
- The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.
The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.
For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.
For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.
Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.
For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.
Note: Students enrolled in a Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program (i.e. major) do not qualify for Western Merit Scholarship programs. See the Rady Merit Scholarship section above for scholarship opportunities.
Get Involved
Make your education a life changing experience.
A college education is so much more than just taking classes. Expand your community and network, while gaining hands-on experience in your field.
- KWSB Radio: On air since 1968, KWSB is student driven, student staffed and open to anyone who wants to have their own radio show.
- Taylor Media Center: Houses film production studios, audio production studios and more.
- Independent Physics Projects: Students are encouraged to work on projects and conduct research with Physics faculty.
- Independent Computer Science Projects: Students have worked on projects such as facial recognition software, a gesture-controlled quadcopter, machine learning, Android apps, an online guided tour, commercial websites and self-guiding vehicles.
Ensembles
- Band: Symphony and Varsity.
- Vocal: Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.
- Jazz: Groups include the large Jazz Ensemble, “High Altitude” Dixieland Combo and Modern Jazz Combo.
- Orchestra: Performs together regularly as a string ensemble, full orchestra and a small chamber group. Orchestra and Choir combine together to perform major works as well.
- Other: Instrumental ensembles are open to all interested performers and include Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, String, Jazz Ensembles and Flute Choir, as well as additional small ensembles.
Work Study and Internship Opportunities
- Recording Technicians
- Social Media Coordinator
- Building Monitors
- Music Production Apprenticeship
- Radio Station Support
Real-world experience
Students operate and manage the KWSB 91.1 FM radio station and program it to serve the student body of Western, the community of Gunnison and the broader internet audience.
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Music Department
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 202
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
