The interdisciplinary master of arts (M.A.) degree program in audio arts offers you the opportunity to learn about and gain skills in the music industry and audio arts fields. Whether you are a liberal arts major interested in music industry or audio arts, a music engineer interested in concert promotion, or a music industry student interested in sound production, we offer a program to suit your career goals.
Taught in conjunction with Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the 14-month program offers four specializations at the intersection of music and media: music industry studies, sound production and recording arts, radio horizons, and music video. It begins with an intensive summer “boot camp” and concludes with a professional music industry internship capstone the following summer.
Students from many backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including those with experience or undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts, music industry, music performance, music technology/engineering. Required courses will provide foundations common to all directions of audio arts study, while electives will allow you to tailor your program of study to best meet your individual goals. Based on your experience and undergraduate and graduate coursework, you will work with advisors to determine your preferences and trajectory.
You will begin your studies in July with summer “boot camp,” which is split between a comprehensive tour of the music industry and a Pro Tools-fueled introduction to the art of studio recording. You will spend the fall and spring semesters honing your business and technical skills through classroom exploration with our dynamic faculty and hands-on projects through independent study and capstone projects. During winter break you may opt to take a week-long “Winterlude” in Los Angeles, networking and learning from world-class business leaders and content creators. For the final summer capstone, the audio arts faculty will work with you to identify attractive career paths and help connect you with the internship capstone to open those doors.
The program builds on Syracuse University’s legacy of leadership in music and entertainment industries. Students will have access to resources in both colleges and across campus, including the cutting-edge Dick Clark Studios in the Newhouse Studio & Innovation Center. You will have additional opportunities to work with local music recording businesses and studios. You will also connect with and benefit from the network of successful SU alumni working in the many diverse audio arts fields.
Specialization Tracks
Music Industry Studies
Sound Production and Recording Arts
Radio Horizons
Music Video
Music Industry Studies
The music industry studies track allows you to become an entrepreneurial leader in the audio arts and is intended for students who do not have prior academic experience in music industry/business. You will take courses in such areas as music industry and media, social media, studio recording, and licensing. Graduates will be able to think critically and constructively about music and making a market in an art form. Students who studied in the liberal arts, music performance, music technology/engineering, law, or other programs are welcome to apply.
Sound Production and Recording Arts
The sound production and recording arts track gives you the opportunity to subspecialize by selecting classroom and experience learning options. For example, if you are interested in working at live performance venues or with touring artists, you might select courses in Live Sound & Concert Recording and Music Recording. Students interested in audio recording, audio mastering, live sound design, live sound mixing, or sound for picture (music underscoring, Foley and sound and effects design), are welcome to apply.
Radio Horizons
The radio horizons track encourages you to study both traditional and new media careers. You will study radio production and radio business as well as social media and entertainment media. Your career options include work in satellite radio, new technologies, mobile applications, streaming radio, and terrestrial radio. Students interested in these fields are welcome to apply.
Music Video
The music video track focuses on the dynamic interplay between music and picture. Coursework can include critical study of sound and picture form, practices involved in music video, and live performance capture. Sample course topics in this track include animation and visual effects, TV production, shortform production, and social media in the enterprise. Graduates will be qualified to work as directors and producers for live concert videos or music videos.