Music Technology

The Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) Program
As part of the Bachelor's Degree in the Music Department, the two-year component gives musicians the tools to apply technology in their own creative and academic work in music.  Students who enroll in the music and technology B.A. program must be accepted as full students in the music department.
The music and technology program has three cornerstones: theoretical studies in cognition, acoustics, and synthesis, the ability to design interactive systems for live electronic music, and the technical expertise to run both professional and home studios. Over the course of their studies, students will acquire familiarity with state-of-the-art music software and hardware, using the music department's new professional recording studio, and will master the computer programming language MAX-MSP. Students will build their own interactive instruments and music systems, create and record musical pieces, compose electronic music, and participate in department concerts both within and outside of the University.
The program consists of eight year-long courses spread out over two years.  Classes take place on one day a week for during both winter and spring semesters. Students from departments other than music can register for selected classes, depending on the specific class as well as the degree of relevancy the class has for their primary studies. 

The Graduate Progam encompasses both Masters (M.A.) and Doctoral (Ph.D) study.

Advanced students with a strong background in music as well as in science (mathematics, physics, computer science, neuroscience, and psychology) are encouraged to engage in  research under the guidance of Music and Technology faculty as part of their Masters thesis. 

Masters students in the Music Department as well as other departments can specialize in Music Technology through taking courses and independent study with Music Technology faculty. Masters students complete advanced projects and research in the topics taught in the program, exploring topics in cognition, music perception, electroacoustic composition, live electronics, professional recording software and hardware. The Masters Program for Music Theory, Cognition and Technology will open in 2013. Students interested in a Ph.D in Music and Technology are invited to contact Prof. Eitan Avitsur 

The Certificate in Music and Technology is a two-year program of intensive study. Classes take place one day a week; in 2012-2013, classes will be held on Thursdays. Students in this track work independently under the guidance of Music and Technology faculty, as well as in classes together with Bachelor's and Masters students from the music department. Students in this program will be accepted on the basis of a personal interview with Music and Technology faculty. 

The music and technology program has three cornerstones: theoretical studies in cognition, acoustics, and synthesis, the ability to design interactive systems for live electronic music, and the technical expertise to run both professional and home studios. Over the course of their studies, students will acquire familiarity with state-of-the-art music software and hardware, using the music department's new professional recording studio, and will master the computer programming language MAX-MSP. Students will build their own interactive instruments and music systems, create and record musical pieces, compose electronic music, and participate in department concerts both within and outside of the University. 

Students are recommended to contact the University's tuition office at the following link, or the Music Department office at http://music.biu.ac.il/contact, or to call our office at tel.: 03-5318577, 03-5318611 regarding registration fees and tuition, which are not the same as those applying to academic degrees.

First Year Courses

47-111 Max and MIDI Applications
An comprehensive introduction to the computer language MAX, from basics to advanced programming. The main focus is on building interactive interfaces with  MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).
47-113 Introduction to Acoustics
An introduction to the scientific and auditory/perceptual aspects of acoustics. The course covers topics in signal processsing, psychoacoustics, the acoustic principals of orchestral instruments, music perception and music cognition. Course assignments will be implemented in the computer programming language MAX-MSP, which will be taught in class.
47-129 Sound Engineering and Audio Applications
This course explores software and hardware for music creation. We will cover techniques such as MIDI sequencing and audio applications for recording and editing (CUBASE 5). Topics in aesthetics will also be addressed through student compositions and through recordings in the music department's new  recording studio with guest artists.
47-109 Music Cognition Workshop
Topics in music perception will be addressed through an active cognitive music research laboratory. The workshop will cover central articles, and students will recreate experimental designs using MAX-MSP. This course is also open to a limited number of students from other departments such as computer science, psychology, and neuroscience.
47-114 Composition in the Post-Digital Age
This  course deals with questions of aesthetics and self-expression in the 21st century, especially in regards to the use of new media.

Second Year Courses
47-202 Audio Synthesis
Theoretical and practical issues in music sythesis and analysis. Throughout the course, students will build different synthesizers using  additive, subtractive, FM, and granular synthesis techniques. Sampler design will also be covered.
47-203 Advanced Studio Recording
Professional studio recording practice, professional sound engineering and mixing. The course is taught as a practical workshop in the departmetnts new recording studio.
47- 205 Live Electronics Workshop
Using interactive modules for music creation and research, every student will implement advanced projects in music interaction. We will use hardware includuing sensors and midi controllers embedded in a MAX-MSP environment.
47-206 Arduino Workshop
Creating advanced live electronics projects using the Arduino Interface.  Arduino is an "open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators.

Registration and FAQ

How can I register for the program? What are the deadlines?

Please contact Ms. Rachel Lowenstein, or http://music.biu.ac.il/contact, or call the secretary's office at 972-3-5318405 and 972-3-5318623 to discuss.
Feel free to contact Nori Jacoby nori.viola@gmail.com if you have any questions.

I have no prior experience in music technology. Can I still register for the program?
Yes. No prior knowlege in technology is necessary to study in this program. We'll cover the basics in class, and advance at a pace that suits every student's individual abilities.

I have been learning various music technologies for years, and feel comfortable with MAX-MSP and audio editing. What would I learn in this program?
Our program will help you develop your technique into artistry. If you've mastered the toolbox, you will be able to focus more on aesthstics and creative work and research in music. You'll also be surrounded by an academic and creative environment where the faculty and resources of the program will be available to inspire, guide and support you.

I love music and have a strong science background, but feel I lack comprehensive musical training. Is this the right program for me?
Yes. We assume certain basic skills such as note-reading, and some familiarity with classical repertoire, but if you haven't quite mastered these, we can provide you with help to bring you up to the level of musical training needed for the program. Feel free to contact Nori Jacoby (nori.viola@gmail.com) to discuss.

I'd like to enroll part-time. Is this possible?
Yes. Individual courses can be taken, though interested candidates should discuss the details of their enrollment with faculty ahead of time.

I am a Bar-Ilan student in another department. Can I take classes in your program?
This depends on the specific class you are interested in, as well as the degree of relevancy the class will have for your future academic work. Some classes are open to students in select departments.

Contact our Deparment for any other question http://music.biu.ac.il/contact

Projects

What happens when you cross a music and technology student with the humble numpad? A new musical instrument, of course! Listen and watch our Numpad Orchestra in action, and don't forget to come to our concerts in July.

Media