"The opportunities that came up and the doors that were opened for me because of the skills that I had were huge. What I learned in the Music Department really paved the way for everything that's come since." —Brandon Rolle (Music and Political Science, '10), composer
Composer | Producer | Sound Designer
Setting up microphones for recording
A Solid Foundation
A core sequence of four classes will give you a solid foundation for real-world applications of music technology:
MU 311 & 312 – Introduction & Advanced Recording, Synthesis, and Production: In these two classes, you’ll learn everything from acoustics to microphones, MIDI, and other tools for working in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
MU 411 & 412 – Sculpting Experience with Sound: At the end of the year, you’ll put your skills to use in a collaborative multimedia show, Soundings.
Student working with Performing Arts Center staff
Internships in Technology
Cal Poly is home to a world-class Performing Arts Center that hosts everything from musical theater and opera to Jazz and orchestra concerts. Through internships, you’ll learn from these professional audio technicians by working on a wide variety of productions. San Luis Obispo is also a hub for independent artists and studio technicians who need the specialized skills you will develop at Cal Poly.
Dancers and visiting artists in Soundings
Soundings
Soundings, the annual multi-media concert produced by music technology and composition students, is a great way to dive into composing music for live musicians and dancers. Students learn live sound techniques, stage lighting, and video—all in addition to having their music performed with world class visiting artists. Check out past performances.
Student performing original song
Creative projects
Studying music technology at Cal Poly, you'll have the opportunity to pursue your creative goals like songwriting, composition, and arranging. To hear what we've been working on, check out our Soundcloud.
Student in the Music Technology Lab
An Individual Capstone Project
You and department faculty will craft an individual capstone project that reflects your specific area of interest, from producing an album to creating an audio library and more. Recent topics include “Audynus: The MIDI Control Keyboard” (construction of a keyboard that provides control of additional audio parameters), a “Crotale Sample Library,” and a full album production of the University Jazz Band.
A Career in Music Technology
Our graduates work for major companies like Avid, Digidesign, Sony and Apple, designing audio equipment and digital audio software. You’ll find them working as producers, engineers and composers.
