Music, BM - Music Technology and Commercial Music Option

What you will study

Students focusing primarily on music technology receive a comprehensive education in audio engineering, music production and sonic creativity, including performing and composing in technology-based formats. Meanwhile, students focusing on jazz composition and commercial music gain a background in all aspects of jazz and commercial music, founded on the harmonic language of the Bebop era and going on to avant-garde, hip-hop, rock, pop and more. Students are free to choose courses from both sides of the option.

UCM’s program curriculum has attracted national and international recognition among colleges with Music Technology and Commercial Music majors. Some classes you may take include:

• Digital Audio Production: In pursuit of your music production degree, you’ll use industry-standard software and hardware to master the complete audio production process, from recording and editing to mixing and mastering. 
• 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 brand with web design, social media and other essentials such as copyright, performance rights and client management.
• Jazz-Commercial Arranging: Master the harmonic language underneath jazz composition and commercial music and learn to craft catchy, compelling arrangements.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in Music Technology and Commercial Music

UCM’s Music Technology and Commercial Music degree provides extensive opportunities for real-world experience. Nearly every Music Technology class involves creating and producing works hands-on to ensure you don’t just get a music business and music production degree – you get resume-worthy experience too. 

• 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.
• Recording experience: Each semester, students in UCM Jazz Ensembles work with Music Technology and Commercial Music students in our state-of-the-art recording studios. Learn how to prepare for and get the most out of sessions, including logistical setups such as microphone placement and track editing. Then collaborate with peers during recording sessions in a professional studio.
• Music technology seminar: A music production degree from UCM grants you industry-ready experience. Capstone projects for UCM Music majors in technology allow you to pursue your interests and build your professional portfolio. Students have produced and released EPs, custom-designed sound for video games and designed large-scale PA systems, among other creative and career-focused projects. 
• Performing on and off campus: Students are encouraged to book gigs at regional venues to get on-stage experience as performers and arrangers. You may include original works in your UCM junior and senior year recitals as a student composer. After the Jazz-Commercial Arranging class, you’ll experience an exciting live performance of your final project on campus or at locations such as the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts in Kansas City.
• Working with guest artists: Industry representatives from various music technology companies frequently visit campus to interact with students. Regional and national touring musicians offer clinics and perform concerts with UCM jazz ensembles. You’ll rehearse their music and perform a concert with them, and interact directly in small clinic settings. These opportunities help you learn to interpret and present a composer’s music while interacting professionally with working musicians. 

 

What can you do with a degree in Music Technology and Commercial Music from UCM?

UCM alumni focused on music technology are working in some of the world’s most renowned recording and mastering studios, as well as live event companies producing major international tours for commercial artists. Others have joined or led the audio teams of major corporations, churches, theaters and concert venues. 

UCM alumni focused on jazz and commercial music play music at events, clubs and other venues in Kansas City and St. Louis, across the United States and throughout the world. Many students teach privately, earn their teaching certification or continue their studies in jazz composition and commercial music at the graduate level. You can also pursue other career opportunities, such as working for arts-related nonprofit organizations or corporations, military bands, cruise lines and live event producers.

Where might a music technology and commercial music degree take you?

Use the interactive tool below to learn more about exciting careers, earning potential and job growth.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Music Technology and Commercial Music degree

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 and Commercial Music students, including:

• Music merit scholarships
• Music Alumni Foundation scholarships
• Music ensemble scholarship
• Presidential all-state music scholarships

As a Music Technology and Commercial Music, 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. 

Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.