CSU Northridge Music Technology Area
Music-related technology is an intregal part of instruction at the Department of Music, California State University, Northridge. Currently, all music majors take at least one fundamental course in music technology which provides an basic overview of computer skills in notation, sequencing, multimedia and web research. The Department of Music has two major computer labs containing almost forty computer stations for student use. In addition to the computer labs, several small electronic studios exist for specialized instruction and a digital-audio based recording studio.
 Computer Labs |
 Electronic Studios |
 Technology Faculty |
 Technology Classes |
The Music Technology Lab is the principal computer lab for the Department of Music. The lab is designed to give students a broad variety of experiences with computerized technology related to music. Numerous applications are available to music majors including music notation, MIDI sequencing, multimedia, Computer-Assistend Instruction, and general purpose computing such Internet access and email.
All music majors must take an Introductory Music Technology course (MUS 191) which utilizes the lab. In addition, students in the musicianship sequence may use the lab for ear-training using MacGAMUT.
Lab Rules
Electronic Studios
The Recording Studio is a full-featured digital-audio based recording facility. It is used both as a classroom in recording techiniques and also as the primary recording facility for department sponsered concerts held in the recital hall.
The Jazz Improvisation Studio is a small studio designed to help teach the fundamentals of jazz improvisation. Students can use the computer and synthesizer or the CD player to play back rhythm section accompaniments while they improvise.
The Electronic Percussion Studio is designed around the MalletKat, a MIDI-mallet controller. Percussion majors use this equipment to practice MIDI percussion which can be useful in studio or live performance.
The Class Piano Lab is one of three rooms designed for teaching piano in a group situation. From a control monitor, an instructor can assist any student on an individual basis. With individual headphones at each station, the pupil can work alone without disturbance.
The Department of Music has two Vivace studios for wind and brass student to practice with prepared accompaniments. The Vivace system furnishes playback of piano or orchestral accompaniment which can vary at the speed of the student's performance.
Music Technology Faculty
Music Technology Classes
Introduction to uses, concepts, techniques, and terminology of computing through music applications. Experience with current hardware and software for music notation, sequencing, synthesis, and music performance and practice. Consideration of ethical, aesthetic, economic, and social problems in technology applications.
An in-depth, hands-on study of MIDI sequencing and its application in the studio and in live performance.
Theory and practice of sound recording using professional studio equipment; application of theory to actual practical experience through participation in college-sponsored sound recording events.
This course prepares music credential candidates to utilize current technology in teaching music in the K-12th grade curriculum. Applications including the use of computers, synthesizers, MIDI manipulation, and multi-track recording.