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Performing Arts & Music

Music Technology & Production

Recording, producing, and engineering music with modern tools.

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Content last reviewed: August 2026

Music technology combines musical training with the technical skills of recording, mixing, and producing music, audio engineering, digital audio workstations, sound design. It sits at the intersection of music and technology, appealing to musicians who also love the technical side of sound.

Studio time is central: hands-on work in recording studios learning microphone technique, mixing, and mastering, alongside coursework in music theory and often composition or electronic music production.

Typical courses you might take

  • Music Theory & Ear Training
  • Audio Engineering Fundamentals
  • Recording Techniques
  • Mixing & Mastering
  • Digital Audio Workstations (DAW)
  • Sound Design
  • Electronic Music Composition
  • Senior Production Portfolio

Sample four-year plan

Illustrative, not a registration plan

One possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.

Year 1 · Fall
  • Music Theory & Ear Training
  • +General education requirement
Year 1 · Spring
  • Audio Engineering Fundamentals
  • +General education requirement
Year 2 · Fall
  • Recording Techniques
  • +General education requirement
Year 2 · Spring
  • Mixing & Mastering
  • +Free elective
Year 3 · Fall
  • Digital Audio Workstations (DAW)
  • +Free elective
Year 3 · Spring
  • Sound Design
  • +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
Year 4 · Fall
  • Electronic Music Composition
  • +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
Year 4 · Spring
  • Senior Production Portfolio
  • +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)

Skills you'll build

Audio recording and engineering techniqueMixing and masteringDigital audio workstation proficiencyMusic theory applied to productionSound designCritical listeningBuilding a portfolio of produced work
Explore more majors that build these skills →

This major might be a good fit if you...

  • Musical but also fascinated by the technical side of sound
  • Enjoys studio work and hands-on technical experimentation
  • Detail-oriented about sound quality and mix balance
  • Interested in production, engineering, or composition

Common minors & double-major pairings

Computer Science · Music Performance · Business Administration

Frequently asked questions

What is a Music Technology & Production major?

Recording, producing, and engineering music with modern tools.

What courses do Music Technology & Production majors take?

Typical coursework includes classes like Music Theory & Ear Training, Audio Engineering Fundamentals, Recording Techniques, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.

What skills do you build in a Music Technology & Production program?

Music Technology & Production coursework typically builds skills like Audio recording and engineering technique, Mixing and mastering, Digital audio workstation proficiency, Music theory applied to production.

Is Music Technology & Production a good major for me?

It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Musical but also fascinated by the technical side of sound" or "Enjoys studio work and hands-on technical experimentation" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.

What other majors pair well with Music Technology & Production?

Common minor or double-major pairings include Computer Science, Music Performance, Business Administration.

How is Music Technology & Production different from Music Performance?

They're related but distinct. Music Technology & Production: Recording, producing, and engineering music with modern tools. Music Performance: Developing advanced technical and expressive skill on an instrument or voice. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.

How long does it take to earn a Music Technology & Production degree?

Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.

This overview describes what the field of study typically covers. It's not a guarantee of course availability, job placement, or earnings, program details vary by school. See our disclaimer.

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