Program Description
The Sound Technologies Minor offers students an interdisciplinary pathway, encompassing perspectives ranging from live applications to fixed media, bridging the disciplines of theatre, music, cinema and studio art. Across these fields, there is demand for understanding in both pre- and post- production audio techniques, original sound composition, live performance, and recording processes that encompass a variety of environments. Students are encouraged to engage with sound as an expressive and technical medium, for use in live performance and visual arts, in recorded media, and as a medium of expression on its own. This minor provides students the chance to develop specialized skills in sound technologies, to include introduction to the theory and practice of sound design, audio production, and sonic arts. This interdisciplinary program encourages exploration of sound through various creative and technical lenses, preparing students for further study towards roles within media, performing arts, and sound design industries. The Sound Technologies Minor students gain experience with digital audio workstations, programming, installation, design, modular synthesis, field recording, foley, music composition, and live mixing. Tools and processes are grounded in both electronic and acoustic concepts.
The minor is structured to guide students from foundational knowledge to advanced techniques in sound. Initial courses build a base in sound technology and its applications across different media, covering essential techniques and concepts in audio production. Students develop skills in critical listening, sound editing, field recording, and audio manipulation, gaining an understanding of the tools and equipment essential for sound work in performance and production environments.
As students advance, they engage in more specialized studies that integrate creative and technical skills, such as digital audio composition, sound for film and video, and interactive audio environments. This approach encourages experimentation with sound as a medium, focusing on composition, spatial audio, and sound design for immersive experiences. The curriculum promotes a blend of theoretical study and hands-on practice, allowing students to develop a well-rounded understanding of sound’s role in various artistic and commercial contexts.
Students from disciplines within as well as outside of the arts can utilize these foundations to identify more career applications for their focuses. Students are encouraged to experiment, gaining both practical skills and theoretical understanding in sound, enhancing their capacity to contribute to and innovate from the arts.
Program Requirements
A minimum of five courses (20 credits) is required, including:
- At least one course from two of the following departments:
- Theatre
- Cinema
- Art and Design
- Music
- One Foundational Course in at least one of the following departments:
- Theatre
- Cinema
- Art and Design
- Music
- At least 12 credits must be taken at the upper-level (300/400)
- At least four courses must be independent of other majors or minors
Students must earn a grade of C or above in courses fulfilling the minor requirement. No courses fulfilling the minor requirement may be taken Pass/Fail. Students must take three of five courses at Binghamton University for the minor.
Return to: