EIU Department of Music

Bachelor of Arts in Music:
Audio and Recording Technology

The Audio and Recording Technology (ART) concentration allows students to specialize in the growing field of music technology and recording arts. Students in this field have interests in learning more about how music technology intersects with the field of music. Those accepted will enjoy working with professional music studios, software, and equipment, learn from nationally recognized audio engineers and composers, and explore concepts associated with acoustics, music business, and recording technology. The degree culminates with an internship to place students in studios for real-world experience.  

As a Bachelor of Arts degree, this program can be a stand alone major for practicing musicians, or paired with another major on campus. The program is balanced between required coursework in music technology, but also contains 31 credits of free electives to allow students to combine interests with other fields of study at EIU, such as Digital Media, Television and Video production, to name a few. Click here to view a check list of courses and a suggested four-year course sequence.

For additional information contact Music Technology and Composition faculty member Dr. Brad Decker. 

Admissions Requirements:

Students applying for this concentration will need to complete an audition or skills assessment for admission.

Option 1 - Complete a standard full audition.  General information on music auditions may be found here, while this website provides information on what to prepare for an audition.  If you wish to be considered for a music scholarship, please choose Option 1 (full audition).

Option 2 - Complete a Musical Skills Assessment. During the Musical Skills Assessment, students will be asked to perform a short excerpt on an instrument or voice, describe their background in music, and complete an aural skills evaluation by singing back several short melodies (five or six notes) after one hearing.  The use of solfege syllables will not be needed.  This assessment may take place in person or over Zoom.  

Required Courses:

Planned Course Rotation for Music Technology Courses:

Internship Information:

• MUS 4275 (Internship in Music Technology and Recording) may be taken any semester or during the summer.  For more information, please see the Internships website.

EIU Recording Studio Control Room

The EIU Electronic Music Studio

The above information is designed for advising purposes only and is not intended to serve as the final or official determination of program requirements.  Please consult the EIU undergraduate catalog for additional program information and/or requirements.

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