Graduate Music Engineering Technology Portfolio

Applicants to the M.S. in Music Engineering Technology should submit a portfolio that demonstrates technical preparation, engineering or computing ability, and interest in audio, music technology, or related fields.

The graduate portfolio is not primarily a music performance or production portfolio. While musical background, recording work, or creative projects may be included, the strongest portfolios emphasize technical work such as programming, signal processing, electronics, acoustics, audio software, machine learning, measurement, research, or engineering design.

What to Submit

Your portfolio should include one or more examples of technical work. Strong submissions may include:

• Audio software, plug-ins, apps, scripts, or tools
• DSP, machine learning, or audio analysis projects
• Electronics, circuits, embedded systems, sensors, or hardware projects
• Acoustics, loudspeaker, microphone, spatial audio, or measurement projects
• Research papers, technical reports, posters, or theses
• Code samples with documentation or links to repositories
• Engineering design projects, capstone projects, or independent technical work
• Production or recording projects only when accompanied by technical explanation

Portfolio Format

Please submit a single PDF or document that includes:

1. A brief overview of your technical background
   

   Degree program, relevant coursework, programming languages, engineering experience, research experience, or professional experience.
   
   

2. Descriptions of selected projects 

   For each project, explain the goal, your specific role, the tools or methods used, and the outcome.
   
   

3. Supporting materials

   Include links to code repositories, audio/video demonstrations, papers, reports, schematics, measurements, or other relevant materials.
   
   

4. A short statement of interest

   Explain why you are interested in graduate study in Music Engineering Technology and what technical or research areas you hope to pursue.
   

What We Are Looking For

The admissions committee is looking for evidence that applicants are prepared for graduate-level technical work in music engineering. Strong portfolios usually show:

• Programming or computational ability
• Understanding of signals, systems, audio, acoustics, electronics, or related technical areas
• Ability to explain technical work clearly
• Independent problem-solving and project development
• Interest in applying engineering, computing, or scientific methods to audio and music technology
• Readiness for graduate coursework and an original research or thesis project

Applicants do not need to have completed all projects specifically in music or audio. Relevant work in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, data science, or related fields may be appropriate if it demonstrates strong technical preparation.

Optional Music or Production Materials

Applicants may include recordings, compositions, performances, mixes, or production work if these materials help demonstrate their interest in music and audio. However, these materials should not replace technical project examples. When including creative work, please describe the technical contribution, tools used, production methods, signal flow, software, hardware, or engineering concepts involved.

Suggested Project Examples

Examples of appropriate portfolio items include, but are not limited to:

• A MATLAB, Python, C++, JUCE, Max/MSP, or Web Audio project
• A VST/AU plug-in, synthesizer, audio effect, or analysis tool
• A machine learning model for audio, speech, music, or sound classification
• A loudspeaker, microphone, amplifier, sensor, or embedded audio project
• An acoustical measurement or room analysis project
• A research paper or technical report involving audio, DSP, acoustics, psychoacoustics, or music technology
• A senior design or capstone project with a clear technical component
• A recording or production project with detailed technical documentation

The goal of the portfolio is to help us understand how you think, build, analyze, and solve problems as a future graduate student in music engineering.

Please contact Professor Chris Bennett for additional details and any questions.