Music Engineering Technology Portfolio Guidelines
(Upload your portfolio files in the Music Supplemental Application, along with any required prescreen videos for your instrument/voice. Early Action deadline Nov. 1; Regular Decision deadline Dec. 1.)
What we are looking for:
The Frost Music Engineering program is a STEM-intensive degree housed in a school of music. Your portfolio should highlight the intersection of music, technology, and problem-solving, whether that comes from performance, production, programming, electronics, or other science/engineering activities related to sound.
Acceptable submission formats:
Submit one (1) consolidated portfolio using any combination of the following file types:
- Audio or video clips
- Digital images
- Writing, code snippets, schematics, or project reports (.pdf)
Content suggestions:
You do NOT need to cover every category below. Provide the 1 to 3 examples that best showcase your strengths.
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Area
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Example evidence
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Music Production & Engineering
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Screen-capture walkthrough of a DAW session (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, etc.) with brief voice-over explaining your mix, plug-ins, or editing choices; before/after audio of a mix or mastering project.
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Programming / Software Audio
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Short demo of an audio plug-in, Max/MSP patch, custom synthesis algorithm, or interactive music app you coded; GitHub link plus a PDF description.
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Electronics / Hardware
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Photos, schematics, or video of a DIY microphone preamp, MIDI controller, effects pedal, or other audio circuit you designed or modified.
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Research / STEM Projects
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Science-fair or class projects involving acoustics, DSP, or AI for music; lab reports; math models of audio systems.
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Tips for a strong submission:
- A two-minute video demo is usually more persuasive than listing equipment.
- One well-explained project is better than several undeveloped samples.
- Include a brief note or caption for each item describing your role, the tools used, and what you learned.
- Because our curriculum requires calculus, physics, C/C++ programming, and an EE or CE minor, evidence of problem-solving, coding, or electronics is a plus—but not mandatory if your strengths lie more in music.
- Submit work that truly represents your interests and abilities; there is no single “right” mix of music vs. technology.
All other audition requirements for your primary instrument/voice (Contemporary, Jazz, or Classical) remain unchanged; please consult the instrument-specific pages for prescreen and audition details.
