Composition and Music Technology
Northwestern University’s Composition and Music Technology program invites students to explore the intersection of traditional music composition and innovative technology. Over four intensive years, students receive a solid foundation in music theory, harmony, and counterpoint while mastering digital production tools and techniques. Through this dual focus, they learn how to write for orchestral ensembles, design synthetic sounds, and produce digital scores for multimedia applications. The program also emphasizes the development of an individual compositional voice, encouraging experimentation across classical, electronic, and contemporary genres.
With access to advanced studios and faculty who are active composers and technologists, students engage in projects that bridge art and technology. Collaborative opportunities with film, dance, theatre, and interactive media departments further enrich the learning experience. Students gain practical experience composing for live performers and electronic systems alike, preparing them for a rapidly evolving musical landscape. By graduation, they possess both the creative insight and technical fluency needed to make impactful contributions in today’s music and media industries.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Composition and Music Technology
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 03 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Musical Foundations and Digital Basics
• Fundamentals of Music Theory and Aural Skills
• Introduction to Composition Techniques
• Digital Audio Workstations and Editing
• Keyboard Harmony and Ear Training
Year 2 – Core Composition and Studio Practice
• Orchestration and Score Preparation
• Electronic Music Production
• Sound Recording and Mixing
• Collaborative Performance Labs
Year 3 – Multimedia and Experimental Music
• Composition for Film, Games, and Media
• Live Electronics and Sound Art
• Sound Design for Interactive Systems
• Advanced Techniques in Electroacoustic Music
Year 4 – Capstone Projects and Professional Development
• Senior Composition Seminar
• Portfolio Development and Studio Projects
• Public Recitals and Installations
• Industry Practices and Career Preparation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Composition and Music Technology program are uniquely equipped to pursue careers across a wide range of artistic and technical fields. Many become film and game composers, sound designers, audio engineers, or electronic music producers, working in media production houses, creative agencies, or as freelancers. Others contribute to academic institutions, theatre companies, or interactive art installations, often taking roles where their hybrid skill set is essential. The program’s emphasis on both creative innovation and technical execution enables students to build diverse portfolios and adapt to various professional contexts—from traditional concert stages to immersive virtual environments—giving them a competitive edge in the evolving global music industry.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who wish to blend artistic expression with technological expertise. It offers a distinctive balance of rigorous composition training and hands-on audio engineering, empowering students to produce music that is both artistically compelling and technically polished. Northwestern’s investment in high-end facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and project-based learning ensures that students work in real-world settings throughout their education. The flexibility to explore multiple genres, tools, and performance formats allows each student to define their artistic identity while gaining the technical skills valued by today’s employers. This comprehensive and forward-thinking approach makes it a strong choice for aspiring composers, producers, and music technologists.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
