Johns Hopkins University  Campus
Bachelor of Arts
On Campus
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore
United States

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Computer Music

About

The Bachelor of Music in Performance with a concentration in Computer Music offers an intensive and forward-looking exploration of sound creation, music technology, and performance practice. Students engage deeply with both traditional musical training and emerging digital tools, gaining the technical and artistic skills needed to compose, produce, and perform music in technologically enriched environments. This program bridges classical musicianship with modern innovation, enabling learners to master acoustic instruments while also becoming proficient in electronic composition and real-time digital sound manipulation. The curriculum nurtures artistic development through a combination of theory, production, and performance that encourages experimentation and creative growth.

Students benefit from world-class faculty, access to cutting-edge studios, and a dynamic culture of collaboration that spans multiple disciplines, including engineering, computer science, and digital arts. Throughout the program, learners explore algorithmic composition, interactive media, audio programming, and the aesthetics of technology-mediated performance. The environment fosters technical fluency alongside expressive musicality, helping students to create original work that is both innovative and grounded in performance excellence. This unique synthesis of classical training and contemporary innovation equips students with the confidence and capabilities to shape the future of music as creative technologists, composers, and performers.

Key information

Duration
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Tuition fee
$66,670.00/year
Start dates & application deadlines
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More details
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Key Facts

  • Program Title: Bachelor of Music in Performance - Computer Music
  • Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
  • Application Deadline: 01 December 2026
  • Location: Johns Hopkins University, United States
  • Field of Study: Music
  • Language of Instruction: English

Program Structure

Year 1 – Foundations in Musicianship and Digital Sound

  • Music Theory and Ear Training I
  • Applied Instrumental or Vocal Performance
  • Introduction to Computer Music
  • Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Techniques

Year 2 – Intermediate Composition and Programming

  • Harmony and Counterpoint
  • Audio Signal Processing
  • Computer Music Composition
  • Programming for Interactive Music Systems

Year 3 – Advanced Performance & Interdisciplinary Practice

  • Live Electronic Performance
  • Sound Synthesis and Design
  • Collaborative Projects in Music and Technology
  • Electives in Multimedia, Acoustics, or Algorithmic Art

Year 4 – Capstone Project, Portfolio & Professional Development

  • Senior Recital or Electroacoustic Composition Project
  • Portfolio Development in Computer Music
  • Seminar in Contemporary Music and Technology
  • Career Preparation and Industry Practices

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are uniquely positioned to enter a variety of careers at the intersection of music, technology, and creative production. Many pursue roles as electronic music composers, sound designers, media producers, and performance artists, contributing to fields such as video game sound, film scoring, live performance technology, immersive installations, and experimental composition. Others work in post-production audio, digital media arts, or education, often blending performance skills with technological expertise. The program also supports entrepreneurial ventures in creative industries, where graduates launch independent studios or digital art projects. Thanks to their training in programming, sound synthesis, and music production, alumni are equally prepared to collaborate with software developers, instrument designers, and interdisciplinary research teams. The rigorous performance foundation, combined with fluency in digital tools and creative coding, ensures graduates have the adaptability and depth to succeed in both traditional music roles and evolving digital environments.

Why Choose This Program

This program is ideal for students seeking to combine rigorous musical performance training with in-depth study of music technology, digital composition, and sound innovation—all within a top-tier academic environment known for interdisciplinary excellence. At Johns Hopkins University, learners benefit from a vibrant artistic ecosystem, personalized mentorship, and access to advanced production tools that empower them to push the boundaries of sonic expression. The curriculum is designed to foster practical experience through concerts, installations, collaborative workshops, and studio-based projects that mirror real-world creative workflows. Students are encouraged to explore their artistic identities while building technical competencies that are in high demand across the music, media, and arts industries. With its emphasis on experimentation, production quality, and academic rigor, the program provides a launchpad for students who aspire to redefine music performance in the digital age, preparing them for a future where creativity and technology intersect.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 410 516 8000
Email: admissions@jhu.edu
Address: Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA