Music production and music technology are two closely related fields in the music industry, but they are distinct in terms of their focus and the skills they aim to impart.
If you’re considering a career in music production or music technology, it’s important to understand the differences between these two degree courses and what each has to offer.
What do you study in a Music Production Degree?
A degree in music production typically focuses on the creative side of music production, covering topics such as composition, recording, mixing, and mastering.
This type of program will give you a strong foundation in music theory and provide hands-on experience with professional-level music production software and hardware.
You’ll learn about different music production techniques, such as mixing and mastering, as well as how to use software like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro X.
A Music Production Degree is a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree.
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree?
BA/BS degrees are not the same degrees. The key differences between a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are that a B.A. typically requires more courses in the humanities (writing, art, history, philosophy, or religion) while a B.S. usually has more science and mathematics courses.
What do you study in a Music Technology Degree?
On the other hand, a degree in music technology focuses on the technical side of music production, covering topics such as sound design, audio engineering, and electronic music production.
This type of program will give you a deep understanding of sound and how it can be manipulated, as well as hands-on experience with software and hardware used in music production and sound design.
You’ll learn about different music production techniques, such as sound synthesis, and how to use software like Max/MSP, Reaktor, and/or SuperCollider.
Also expect to dive into technical details on the engineering of audio equipment and how they work such as headphones, speakers and mixing desks.
Acoustics is also a common module in Music Technology Degree: a topic that covers the nature and behaviour of sound in spaces, the mathematics of it and how to manipulate an audiences audio experience in a space by applying acoustic treatment or architectural design decisions that manipulate the way sound is perceived in the space.
A Music Technology Degree is a Bachelor of Science (BS).
What jobs can you get after Music Production Degree?
After graduating from a music production degree, you’ll be well-equipped to work in a variety of roles within the music industry, including:
- Music Producer
- Recording Engineer
- Composer
- Film and TV Audio Designer (Foley, Sound Effects and/or Soundtracks)
- Game Audio Designer (Foley, Sound Effects and/or Soundtracks)
- Post Producer
You’ll be able to use your skills and knowledge to create music in a variety of styles, from pop to hip-hop to electronic music.
You may also feel empowered to pursue working as a freelancer in one of these fields, although you shouldn’t undervalue having some real industry experience to help your professional profile stand out.
What jobs can you get after Music Technology Degree?
Similarly, a music technology degree will prepare you for a career in music production, but with a focus on the technical aspects of music production.
You’ll be well-equipped to work as a:
- Sound Designer
- Audio Engineer
- Electronic Music Producer
- Live Sound Technician
- Junior Audio Programmer (depending on modules offered in your course – you will need some foundation of programming knowledge to pursue this)
- Game Audio Designer (Foley, Sound Effects and/or Soundtracks)
- Film & TV Audio Designer (Foley, Sound Effects and/or Soundtracks)
- Post Producer
- Acoustic Consultant
- Audio Plugin Designer
- Mastering Engineer
At the end of a Music Tech Degree, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to manipulate sound, and you’ll be able to use your skills and knowledge to pursue working in one of these fields.
Keep in mind that one of these options may be less viable depending on the modules in a specific institutions degree course.
For example it wont be possible to pursue Game Audio without relevant modules on the topic being included in the degree.
So if there is one specific role that interests you, be sure to take a close look at the modules and if they align with the path you are seeking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a music production degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create music, while a music technology degree will give you the technical expertise to manipulate sound.
Both degrees offer unique and valuable skills that are in high demand in the music industry, so it ultimately comes down to personal interest and career goals when choosing which one is right for you.
Whether you’re interested in the creative side of music production or the technical side, a degree in music production or music technology is a great way to kickstart your career in the music industry.
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