Music Technology (B.M.)

Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Technology

Start your career in Music Production, Recording, or Live Sound. Learn the skills to be an adaptable professional in the Music Industry.

Be Impossible

to Ignore

Our graduates become indispensable professionals with music venues, studios, and other musical organizations.

Degree Type: Bachelor of Music (BM)
Total Credits: 120
Outcome: Readiness for a career in the music industry
Format: On-campus coursework. Internships with venues, studios, and professional musical organizations.

Program

Overview

West Liberty University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. This ensures that our music curricula are aligned with standards adhered to by more than 600 Music Schools in the US. The BM in Music Technology includes studies in core musicianship, technology for music production, electives, and general studies courses. Our students develop the musicianship and technical skills necessary for success in the many aspects of the music industry.

Who This

Program Is For

Working Professionals in the Music Industry
Whether you’re interested in audio engineering, recording, production, management, or being an artist yourself, the BM in Music Technology is a great way to learn the technology and work with seasoned educators and industry professionals. 

Audio Recording and Production
Our graduates are working as freelance producers and engineers, as well as in recording studios, music venues, and graduate audio production programs.

Live Sound
Our graduates are working in live music venues as audio engineers and managers.

Composition/Music Production
Students have the opportunity to practice the craft of creating and sharing their original music.

Freelance Artist
Students can explore the many facets of a career in Music via the vibrant local music scene, extensive internship opportunities, and on-campus resources.

What

You’ll Learn

Core Music Skills

  • Music Theory
  • Ear Training
  • Piano Proficiency
  • Improvement in Vocal or Instrumental performance

Recording

  • Live
  • Studio
  • Microphones, preamps, patchbays, etc.
  • Mixing and Mastering

Live Sound

  • Digital Mixers
  • Mixing techniques

Electronic Music

  • Software for Music Production, Sound Design, and Composition
  • Synthesis
  • Sampling

Curriculum

Overview

The curriculum balances core musicianship with hands-on technology and abundant experiential learning opportunities. 

Program Structure

Music and Music Technology courses: 70 credits
General Electives: 13 credits
General Education coursework: 37 credits

Required Prerequisites Include:

  • Musicianship, Music Theory, and Ear Training courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C in order to progress to the next course in the sequence

Admission Requirements
Incoming students are required to Audition for the music program prior to or during their first semester of enrollment at West Liberty. WLU students who wish to change to become Music Majors should speak to the Department Chair. 

We strive to make the Audition process easy and stress-free. We simply want to know about your musical abilities, your background, and your career goals.

View Music Technology in the Catalog

View Music Technology 4-Year Plan

Career &

Outcomes

Music Technology graduates become Working Professionals in the Music Industry. Whether you’re interested in audio engineering, recording, production, management, or being an artist yourself, the BM in Music Technology is a great way to learn the technology and work with seasoned educators and industry professionals. 

vocal ensemble practice
  • Audio Recording and Production
    Our graduates are working as freelance producers and engineers, as well as in recording studios, music venues, and graduate audio production programs.
  • Live Sound
    Music Technology graduates are working in live music venues as audio engineers and managers.
  • Composition/Music Production
    Students have the opportunity to practice the craft of creating and sharing their original music via online music distributors and streaming services.

Freelance Artist
Students can explore the many facets of a career in Music via the vibrant local music scene, extensive internship opportunities, and on-campus resources.

Program Length
& Format

Time to Completion:
4 years

Delivery Format:
In person and online instruction, internship and independent final project requirements

Experiential Learning
Students in the BM in Music Technology work hands-on with professional audio equipment from day 1.
The Internship requirement connects our students with the professional world of Music in a variety of sub-disciplines such as audio engineering, recording, composing, production, and business.

Admission

Requirements

Requirements:

Admission to the Music Technology program is based on your University Application and an Audition.

Auditions can be completed by submitting a video link, or done in person either on campus, or during a visit to your school.

Click here for Audition Information and Registration.

Audition and Application Deadline
Students are encouraged to Audition as early as possible to maximize their chances for Scholarships.

Students who Audition and are accepted into the Music Program are guaranteed a minimum $2000/year Housing Waiver for Four Years. Additional Scholarships are available based on the Audition, GPA, test scores, and eligiblity to receive Scholarships from the WLU Foundation (see available Foundation Scholarships here).

Advisors are available to help students plan prerequisites and prepare strong applications.

Cost, Aid

& Affordability

Tuition and fees vary based on in-state and out-of-state residency. Most program costs are included in tuition; however, additional expenses may include clinical supplies, uniforms, and examination fees.

Tuition & Fees

GenericPrograms 12 1

Students may be eligible for:

  • Federal and state financial aid
  • Institutional scholarships
  • Program-specific or need-based assistance

Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.

Why Choose
West Liberty University

The Music Program is designed to help students realize, develop, and achieve their goals for a music career. 

Students benefit from:

  • Curricula that aligns with national standards 
  • Award-winning and professionally active faculty 
  • Integrated and extensive experiential learning opportunities 
  • A storied history and tradition of excellence
  • Unique resources, partnerships, and professional preparation opportunities

These elements ensure graduates are well prepared to enter the profession with confidence and credibility.

Steps To

Enrollment

Step 1:
Apply to West Liberty University

Step 2:
Audition Information and Registration

Questions? Contact the Department Chair

Dr. Matthew Harder, Chair
Department of Music & Theatre
West Liberty University
mharder@westliberty.edu
304-336-8296

Become A
Hilltopper

West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.

Scroll to Top