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Music, BM - Music Technology and Commercial Music Option

Bachelor of Music (Technology and Commercial) Degree

Do you plan to work in music production, audio engineering or run live sound for events? Perhaps you want to be a professional musician, composer or arranger focused on jazz or commercial music. The University of Central Missouri’s Bachelor of Music in Music Technology and Commercial Music program encourages multiple styles and diverse ways to create and work with the latest music technology tools, regardless of your career goals.

Music technology is a growing field, influenced by a balance of skill, creativity and industry and commercial needs. You’ll perfect your craft alongside your peers at UCM in numerous small and large ensembles. You’ll also have many opportunities to interact with renowned musicians in the vibrant Kansas City music scene and guest artists who conduct clinics and perform with students on our campus. 

A career-focused music degree from a widely recognized university

Is your laptop your instrument? UCM is one of the few colleges with a Music major in technology accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). We’re one of only five accredited institutions that allow students to take lessons on technology-based instruments to pursue any degree in music.

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NASM-accredited music technology program

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24/7 access to cutting-edge facilities

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Faculty are leaders in music technology

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Learn to be a record producer

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State-of-the-art professional equipment

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Host for international MOXsonic Festival

 

What you will study

Students focusing primarily on music technology receive a comprehensive education in audio engineering, music production and sonic creativity, including performing and composing in technology-based formats. Meanwhile, students focusing on jazz composition and commercial music gain a background in all aspects of jazz-commercial music, founded on the harmonic language of the Bebop era and going on to avant-garde, hip-hop and more. Students are free to choose courses from both sides of the option.

UCM’s program curriculum has attracted national and international recognition among colleges with Music Technology and Commercial Music majors. Some classes you may take include:

  • Digital Audio Production: In pursuit of your music production degree, you’ll use industry-standard software and hardware to master the complete audio production process, from recording and editing to mixing and mastering. 
  • Electronic Music Production Techniques: Apply tools such as MIDI, synths, samplers, loops and more to create hip-hop, dance, ambient or your own new electronic music.
  • Music Business Practices: Build your brand with web design, social media and other essentials such as copyright, performance rights and client management.
  • Jazz-Commercial Arranging: Master the harmonic language underneath jazz composition and commercial music and learn to craft catchy, compelling arrangements.

 

Nationally Ranked

  • Top 15%: Best Value Bachelor's Degree Colleges for General Music (College Factual, 2022)
  • A Most Focused College for General Music (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 9%: Most Popular Colleges for General Music (College Factual, 2023)
  • Top 15%: Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for General Music (College Factual, 2023)

 

Unique learning opportunities in Music Technology and Commercial Music

UCM’s Music Technology and Commercial Music degree provides extensive opportunities for real-world experience. Nearly every Music Technology class involves creating and producing works hands-on to ensure you don’t just get a music business and music production degree – you get resume-worthy experience too. 

  • Internships: Students have interned in Paris, London and around the United States at recording and film studios, audio/visual installation companies and other industry hubs. You’ll build real-world experience that can lead to job offers and enduring industry connections.
  • Music technology seminar: A music production degree from UCM grants you industry-ready experience. Capstone projects for UCM Music majors in technology allow you to pursue your interests and build your professional portfolio. Students have produced and released EPs, custom-designed sound for video games and designed large-scale PA systems, among other creative and career-focused projects. 
  • Working with guest artists: Industry representatives from various music technology companies frequently visit campus to interact with students. Regional and national touring musicians offer clinics and perform concerts with UCM jazz ensembles. You’ll rehearse their music and perform a concert with them, and interact directly in small clinic settings. These opportunities help you learn to interpret and present a composer’s music while interacting professionally with working musicians. 
  • Recording experience: Each semester, students in UCM Jazz Ensembles work with Music Technology and Commercial Music students in our state-of-the-art recording studios. Learn how to prepare for and get the most out of sessions, including logistical setups such as microphone placement and track editing. Then collaborate with peers during recording sessions in a professional studio.
  • Performing on and off campus: Students are encouraged to book gigs at regional venues to get on-stage experience as performers and arrangers. You may include original works in your UCM junior and senior year recitals as a student composer. After the Jazz-Commercial Arranging class, you’ll experience an exciting live performance of your final project on campus or at locations such as the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts in Kansas City.

 

What can you do with a degree in Music Technology and Commercial Music from UCM?

UCM alumni focused on music technology are working in some of the world’s most renowned recording and mastering studios, as well as live event companies producing major international tours for commercial artists. Others have joined or led the audio teams of major corporations, churches, theaters and concert venues. 

UCM alumni focused on jazz and commercial music play music at events, clubs and other venues in Kansas City and St. Louis, across the United States and throughout the world. Many students teach privately, earn their teaching certification or continue their studies in jazz composition and commercial music at the graduate level. You can also pursue other career opportunities, such as working for arts-related nonprofit organizations or corporations, military bands, cruise lines and live event producers.

Where might a music technology and commercial music degree take you?

Use the interactive tool below to learn more about exciting careers, earning potential and job growth.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Music Technology and Commercial Music degree

The University of Central Missouri offers a variety of resources for financing your undergraduate education to help keep your college costs and student debt low.

Beyond general scholarships and awards available through the university, numerous scholarships are available specifically for Music Technology and Commercial Music students, including:

  • Music merit scholarships
  • Music Alumni Foundation scholarships
  • Music service awards
  • Presidential all-state music scholarships

As a Music Technology and Commercial Music, you may also qualify for UCM service awards. These are given in recognition of service to the University of Central Missouri, such as playing in the marching band, the Service Jazz Combo or Service String Quartet or tutoring students in music theory. 

Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .

 

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Take your degree further.

Expand your knowledge of audio-related technology, prepare for Ph.D. studies, acquire new skills or incorporate music technology into your work as a teacher or composer. You could continue your studies at UCM by earning a Master’s degree focusing on commercial music, music education or music production.

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Make yourself more marketable.

If you’re planning to run your own music studio or audio installation business or offer other music technology or commercial music services, you may benefit from adding a minor to your major in Music Technology from UCM:

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Explore programs related to Music Technology and Commercial Music.

If you’re still not sure what you’d like to major in, explore undergraduate programs at UCM in related fields of study, such as:

 

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