The Music Studio houses an SSL Matrix console, multi-computer array, and a professional 9 ft. Baldwin Grand Piano. Students also explore the dynamic world of acousmatics within this space. Available tools include the GA enelec 5.1 surround sound system for multi-channel reproduction.

The Sensory Computation, Experimental Narrative Environments Lab, better known as the SCENE Lab, immerses students within audio spatialization and virtual reality.

Led by world-renowned guitarist Carlos Alomar, the Sound Synthesis Research Center (SSRC) hosts electronic music tools like synthesizers, drums, guitar MIDI controllers, and audio processors.

In the Piano Lab, students sit at 14 keyboards for private and group lessons. Such explorations of music composition, theory, and history reinforce the tech-infused curriculum.

Please find below questions commonly asked by prospective students, their parents and counselors about the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences' portfolio review process for the music and technology program. 

Do I have to submit a portfolio?

If you are applying to our music and technology program you are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio, but it is not required.

How do I submit my portfolio?

All portfolio materials must be uploaded through your student portal which you’ll receive access to once you have submitted your application. The automated process of receiving student portal credentials can take up to 48 hours after your application has been received.

What are some examples of creative work?

Examples of creative work can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• An original composition/song/track

• An original arrangement or orchestration of a preexisting composition

• A piece of music that clearly demonstrates creative production techniques

• Performance Videos

  • Demonstration of acoustic or electronic instrument performance

  • Demonstration of the integration of technology into your performance practice

  • Demonstration of your interaction with other musicians/audience

  • Films or videos to which you have composed music or created sound

• Other Creative work

  • Electronic music system design

  • Software coding, implementation and integration in your music

How many pieces should I submit?

We require three examples of creative work for the music and technology portfolio.

Can I submit more than the required number of pieces?

The system will let you upload more than the required number of pieces; however, we cannot guarantee that all of them will be reviewed. Please try your best to only submit your strongest work. We prefer quality over quantity.

Will I have the opportunity to describe the pieces I am uploading?

Yes! You can provide a description of every piece that you upload and we strongly recommend that you do so. The more context that you provide for your submission, the easier it is for our faculty to review your contribution to the work.

Make sure you include information describing:

1. A thorough explanation of your role/roles in the creation of this work  

2. The title and nature of the piece

3. Your creative methodology

4. Your reason for submitting the work

What should I include in my resume?

Your resume can include: any relevant jobs, internships or collaborations that you’ve had, performances that you’ve participated in, competitions you’ve entered, and volunteer work that you’ve performed.  

Can I submit a recording with my band?

Absolutely! Just make sure you include a description that lets us know what your contribution to the recording was as well as why you think that particular recording is a good representation of your work as a musician.

 Can I submit links as part of my portfolio?

If you don’t have access to the original file for something that you would like to submit, a link to a YouTube/Vimeo video or Sound Cloud recording is fine. Again, please be sure to include in the description a thorough explanation of your role/roles in the creation of this work, the title and nature of the piece, your creative methodology, and your reason for submitting the work. 

Please do not link to an outside personal website as part of your portfolio because we will not know which pieces to prioritize.

What kind of files do you accept and is there a maximum file size?

Although we technically support media files as large as 5 GB, please be advised that larger files will take longer to upload from your Internet connection and may stall if you are on a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary period of time. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages. We support the following file formats:

• Video: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, .wmv

• Audio: .aac, .aif, .aiff, .iff, .fla, .m4a, .mpa, .mp3, .ra, .wav, .wma

• Slide: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff

• Document: .doc, .docx, .odg, .odp, .odt, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .rtf, .wpd