Certificate in Music Technology

At the College of Music, we're devoted to inspiring artistry and discovery together. Our students gain a strong understanding and background in technology for composing and producing music.

The Certificate in Music Technology prepares students with knowledge and experience to use technology for music production. Courses range from an introductory survey of music software and hardware to in-depth studies of DSP, synthesis, algorithmic composition, recording and postproduction techniques, and film scoring, among other topics. 

  • Be prepared to compose and produce music 
  • Gain hands-on experience with music software
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a certificate

75% of required music classes have fewer than 20 students

8:1 student-to-faculty ratio

Gain hands-on experience with music software, including ProTools, Abelton Live, Lilypond, MAX, SuperCollider, Final Cut Pro and SoundHack

Be successful.

This certificate allows you enter the workforce with additional skills and knowledge alongside your major area of study.

 

Join a network of 30+ faculty and alumni who have received Grammy nominations

 

70% of 2019 graduates had plans for full-time work or graduate study at the time of graduation

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a certificate

Academic Plan & Requirements

The certificate in music technology is open to all undergraduate students at CU Boulder. To earn the certificate, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours, including five music technology courses.

Music technology courses include:

  • Introduction to Music Technology
  • Prepared for the Soundcheck
  • Recording Techniques
  • Composing at the Computer
  • Topics in Music Technology

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

Nora Barpal

(BM ’18)
Barpal worked with the Entrepreneurship Center for Music during her time at CU, helping her bridge her musical passion with the startup scene. Since graduating, she's partnered with Josh Wilson, a 2019 College of Music graduate, to launch the Music Inclusion Coalition (MIC), providing high-quality recording equipment to low-income high schools to ensure equitable opportunities and resources for students to remotely audition for music programs.

Neal Postma

(BM ’10)
A music educator and saxophonist, Postma's multifaceted career includes master classes, recitals at CU Boulder and other institutions, and commission and premiere solo and chamber works by a number of composers. He's also the founding member and current president of the American Single Reed Summit, which features internationally renowned artists, hundreds of recitals, and a robust roster of lectures and master classes.

Claire Glover

(BME ’17)
Recipient of the Colorado Music Educator Association’s 2020 Young Music Educator Award, Glover is director of bands at Mountain Ridge Middle School in Colorado Springs, and president and concert band coordinator of the Pikes Peak Middle School Honor Band.