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A person sits at a console in a recording studio. The person's back is to the camera.

Sound Recording Technology B.M.

The sound recording technology program provides technologically inclined musicians with the practical and theoretical background needed for success in today’s music production industry. The program provides a multidisciplinary bachelor of music (B.M.) degree with coursework in music, acoustics, sound production, new media design, computer science and mathematics.

Particular emphasis is placed on audio engineering as a technical-artistic field, recognizing that audio professionals often serve as the interface connecting the technical and artistic personnel in the music industry.

The program provides extensive project experience in state-of-the art studios where you will record, produce, mix and master sound recordings. You also develop technical and managerial skills that are essential to the profession. A high level of cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged, with exposure to production techniques for many musical styles and media deliverables. You graduate with a portfolio of work that includes classical, world, popular and jazz styles delivered on traditional formats alongside such new industry standards as web-based media and video games.

A person stands at a microphone in a recording studio. A person sits and plays the guitar in the background.

While studying in the sound recording technology program, students may choose a course of primary applied study on their instrument or voice in either the classical or jazz/commercial music tradition.

Possible careers include work as a recording engineer, producer, programmer, musician and technical engineer. The program also provides a foundation for graduate work in engineering and computer science.

Admissions and audition requirements
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Facilities and Equipment

Recording facilities for the sound recording technology and audio arts programs are housed in the Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive of Syracuse University Libraries. Belfer is the one of the largest sound archives in the country and includes formats from the earliest experimental recordings on tinfoil to modern digital media. Learn more about music facilities and view a Belfer equipment list.

Audio Engineering Society

Syracuse University has its own student chapter of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) that meets monthly and creates opportunities for education and advancement in the field of audio engineering. The chapter hosts many activities, including lectures by prominent guest speakers, industry-related tours and experiences and annual trips to the AES convention held in Los Angeles and New York City. To join AES@SU, contact James S. Abbott, Syracuse University student chapter faculty advisor.

Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 122-credit curriculum includes major and academic requirements as well as academic electives. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

View degree requirements, courses and student learning outcomes
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Performance Honors

The performance honors program is intended for Setnor School of Music students in the B.S. music and B.M. composition, music education, music industry and sound recording technology degree programs who wish to maintain a level of performance at or near that required of students in one of the performance majors. The program’s purpose is to give tangible curricular and moral support to those students who see themselves as performing musicians first and foremost.

Students are eligible to apply for the program at the end of their sophomore year. Students accepted into the program take an hour of applied instrumental or vocal instruction per week and give both a junior and senior recital commensurate with the requirements for degree recitals in the performance majors. Official recognition of program participation and completion appears on student transcripts but does not appear on the diploma.

A person plays the trumpet and a person plays the bass.

Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. Sound recording technology majors often choose to study at the Syracuse University center in London, England, in the spring semester of their second year or in Los Angeles via the VPA LA Semester in the spring semester of their third year.

In Setnor's Gilbert Week immersion program, students learn about career opportunities in music by meeting and learning from arts professionals and visiting some of the world’s leading performing arts institutions and organizations. Gilbert Week is held during Spring Break in a different city each year; past locations include New York City (pictured); Los Angeles; and Austin, Texas.

A group of students pose and smile on an outdoor terrace overlooking New York City. A sign reading Live Nation is affixed to the terrace's railing.

Career Exploration

In addition to the opportunities offered by the Setnor School, all sound recording technology majors have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking opportunities, mentors and more.

Two people sit at a table. One person's back is to the camera. The other person is smiling.

Program Faculty