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Admission to the Music Technology concentration is very competitive. Continuation in the program also requires extended effort, both in terms of creative projects and in the acquisition of concepts and skills.

All applicants to the Music Technology program must submit a portfolio containing representative examples of their original creative work in order to be considered for admission. At least three musical compositions on which the applicant has worked should be included with their application and sent directly to the Admissions Office, along with their application to the University. These compositions will be reviewed by a faculty committee and should be in a form that best represents the music. For example, the candidate can submit an audio CD (highly recommended) or printed scores (if available) of their original compositions, lead sheets of original songs, or DVDs of projects for which they have composed the music. A DVD of a live performance of the applicant’s music is also acceptable. Examples may also be submitted in purely digital form, which might include MIDI or digital audio files on a data CD (PC and Mac formats are acceptable) or website addresses (please give specific URLs) where original music or sounds created by the candidate can be found. Compositions that involve computer-generated or -processed sounds are strongly encouraged, as composition with a computer is a primary focus of the program.

For every submission, a short and concise statement explaining the applicant’s involvement in the creation of the work must be included. For example, it should tell whether the applicant is the sole creator or a collaborator; the composer, arranger or remixer; and whether the applicant is performing the work on the recording(s). In addition, a separate, typed, one-page essay discussing the applicant’s musical background, influences and goals must be included. This essay should also describe why the applicant feels the Music Technology program at Northeastern University best suits his or her goals. Please do not send original or one-of-a-kind materials (materials are not typically returned).

Applicants to the program should be familiar with the required courses described at this site under Curriculum and should listen to the student works at the JukeBox to be sure they understand the wide range of the curriculum. They are also strongly encouraged to speak with a Music Technology faculty member to determine if the program is suited to his or her goals and to visit the campus.

Once an application is completed, a Northeastern faculty member may contact the applicant to arrange a live or phone interview. Applicants should be aware that the program requires private composition lessons of all students. These lessons require a fee above the base tuition costs.

Music Theory Requirement
Students who have had formal training in music theory while in high school will be at an advantage for admission to the program. All entering students, however, must have achieved a level of competence in Music Theory beyond that of a fundamental level so that they can begin their Theory studies at Northeastern with Music Theory I or higher. (Students receiving a 4 or 5 in an advanced placement exam in Theory will automatically be placed into Theory I. All others must take a placement test to show their competence.) Northeastern will provide an online theory refresher course for all entering students in the summer before the first year. Successful completion of this course should allow students to begin with Music Theory I when they arrive at Northeastern. Students who must begin with Fundamentals of Music, the course that precedes Music Theory I, will not have the option to coop in their third or fourth year. It is also highly desirable, though not mandatory, that students have some experience performing on an instrument.

Hardware/Software Requirements for Incoming Freshman (as of Fall 2011)
Students entering the Music Technology concentration are required to purchase a laptop computer and software fundamental to the curriculum. While the program does provide students with access to various studios, these spaces are in high demand and students will not get enough time in them to complete daily homework assignments for their courses.
The following hardware and software is strongly recommended:
•    Apple Macbook Pro Computer (any new model compatible with the items below)
•    Avid Pro Tools Mbox Mini Academic 8 or Pro Tools 9
•    Bias Peak LE 6
•    Cycling 74 Max/MSP 5
•    Sibelius 6 Educational

Courses will be taught around the hardware and software listed above. Equivalent software can be used, but the student will likely get less support and feedback from instructors. If other software is used, it must have the same capabilities as the software listed above, and it will be the student’s responsibility to figure out how to do the required assignments and projects. Failure to complete assignments due to insufficient software capabilities will not be excused.

Music Technology Combined Majors
Students who wish to pursue the BS Combined Major in Computer Science and Music with Concentration in Music Technology or the BS Combined Major in Interactive Media and Music with Concentration in Music Technology may follow a different application process, depending on whether they enter the university as a Music Technology major or add the Music Technology component after the start of their freshman year.