At Northwestern, we believe that computer technology is the most important factor shaping the future of music and audio. We are excited about how technology can shape the education of young musicians as well as how new technology is expanding the role of sound and music in everyone's lives. The music technology program brings together a broad range of computer applications within music and emphasizes interdisciplinary study. Our faculty come from backgrounds in composition, music education and music theory.

At many schools "music technology" is identified primarily with "recording engineering." While we teach recording and mixing (and there are many opportunities for working in Chicago studios), we are also interested in teaching our students to be authors of multimedia/web-based projects, technological composers, and developers of software tools for industry and education. Our graduates have taken jobs in the music and audio industries, as well as in education and research. We have a sizable number of graduates in the multimedia and games industry.

When one looks ahead to employment opportunities whether in academia or industry, it is difficult to predict exactly which skills will provide the competitive advantage that secures a job. We believe that our students are best served by acquiring a diverse set of skills that prepare them for the many challenges ahead. The music technology curriculum is very practical and project-oriented.