Old traditions - new directions
Why study Music Technology?
At Otago, we do not make a distinction between one type of music and another in terms of its importance. Every type of music we teach is regarded as equally worthy of study. We mix genres and styles in our music technology studies because we can learn a great deal about one style by studying another.
Otago University’s Music Department continues to expand its excellent reputation through the development of its Music Technology programme, offering a Minor in Music Technology. Music Technology can be taken as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Commerce degree.
At the forefront of its kind, this course of study challenges its students through use of the latest computer technology, high-speed network access, and state of the art recording facilities. Already an integral part of the vibrant Dunedin music scene, which includes world class artists and performers from all styles and genres, the Music Technology programme encourages students to hone their musical and technical skills alike.
We offer students the chance to create and record their own music, either as stand alone papers or within a specific area of study. At the higher levels (4th year and above) students of Music Technology undertake research in an area of music that interests them, recording and producing a full length CD of their work.
The Minor in Music Technology at Otago
The Music Technology programme caters to any music genre or style, from classical to traditional folk music, from jazz to world music and beyond. The papers feed into the Minor in Music Technology. They are designed to empower students with the tools necessary to create, perform, record and enjoy music on all levels, in the constantly expanding digital environment we experience today.
The development of digital tools for music creation and production includes desktop and laptop computers, as well as tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. People now have the opportunity to create their music outside of traditional studio-system production houses. This opportunity comes with a need for corresponding skill-sets in using the technology to create sophisticated and meaningful media products.
While one or two music technology papers can be taken to complement a degree, music technology can also be taken as a minor subject as part of a degree. The minor comprises five papers selected from a number of music and Māori Studies papers. This minor can be included in any Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Performing Arts, Commerce, Theology, Science or Applied Science degree.
Although music technology is not a major subject, the Department of Music at Otago also offers many other options for studying music, including a Bachelor of Music degree (MusB), or music as a major subject in the Bachelor of Arts degree (BA).
Detailed information about Music papers.
Background required
An interest in studying today’s music technology. No musical experience required.
Career Opportunities
Many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers in the music industry. Sometimes the type of employment our graduates find is seemingly unrelated to music. However, music requires, and teaches, so many intellectual and life skills, skills which can be utilised in a variety of ways. These are the sorts of skills that are highly valued by employers.
