Music Technology

Program Overview

Music technology is a growing academic field and one in which Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, is taking a leadership role with the development of the music technology major. There is an increasing demand in the world of academic and professional music for liberally educated people who are fine musicians and understand the art, language and science of digital music making. We are one of the few liberal arts colleges in the country to offer a bachelor of arts degree in music technology and have a full-time professor who is a specialist in this area.

Music technology majors are encouraged to be creative. They learn to become experts at producing with modern music technology, but they also become innovative developers of technology. The creative and critical thinking skills students learn at Transylvania prepare them for a career in music, technical work and many other paths they might wish to pursue.

Timothy Polashek, coordinator of music technology studies

The music technology major is structured in a liberal arts context. The student must first be a musician and fulfill requirements that all music majors complete, including ensemble participation, private lessons, composition and recitals. 

The curriculum prepares students for graduate study in music technology and career paths in such areas as studio engineering, software development, teaching and performing. Graduates who focus on the technical side of music in their careers will benefit from the general music requirements of the program, since accomplished musicians often make the best studio engineers.

Transylvania music technology majors have the advantage of the university’s location in Lexington, a metropolitan city of nearly 300,000. Numerous television and radio stations, along with recording studios, offer opportunities for local internships. Transylvania students become highly skilled in modern recording, production and composition techniques. In addition, they learn to develop new and innovative tools and computer programs for musical and multimedia expression. Transylvania biennially hosts the international Studio 300 Digital Art and Music Festival, which regularly features students along with professionals from around the world. Transylvania is an exciting place to prepare for life as a 21st century musician.

Internships Our Students Have Completed

Central Kentucky Radio Eye
Kentucky Educational Television, audio production department
Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour broadcast
Summer practicums in music production, including albums and film scores

Courses of Special Interest

Audio Recording Technology
Music Cognition
Composition
Interactive Music and Multimedia
Excursions into Non-Western Music
History of Jazz and Rock Music (with travel to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum)
Musical Theater Workshop

Possible Career Options

Recording engineer
Producer/composer
Audio technician
Software developer
Teacher
Performer

Opportunities in the Major

Chamber Orchestra
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Transylvania Choir
Pioneer Voices Men’s Chorus
Transylvania Singers Women’s Chorus
Opera/Music Theater Workshop

Semester Study Abroad Opportunities

Greece
Italy

Contacts

Timothy Polashek, Associate Professor of Music

Address:
Mitchell Fine Arts Center, Transylvania University 
300 North Broadway Lexington, KY 40508-1797

Phone: (859) 233-8141

More Information

Recent Student Work