Introduction to Music Technology (300-0-2)

Instructors

Catherine Phang

Meeting Info

RCMA 1-172: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

This course is a hands-on introduction to making, shaping, and performing sound with computers. Using REAPER (linear, editing/recording), Ableton Live (clip-based production/performance), and Max/MSP (interactive audio and signal flow), you'll learn how to record, edit, arrange, synthesize, and process sound; build basic interactive systems; and finish shareable audio projects. We'll balance practical workflows (file management, gain staging, exporting) with creative strategies (sampling, synthesis, effects, and live processing). No prior digital audio workstation (DAW) experience is required—everything is scaffolded for non-majors.

Registration Requirements

Registration requires department consent. Priority is given to majors in the Bienen School of Music. To be added to the wait-list for registration, click or copy/paste this link and fill out the application form: https://www.music.northwestern.edu/course-forms. You may apply for a place in any or all Winter 2026 sections of MUS TECH 300 with a single response at that link, but wait-list applications from previous quarters (for MUS TECH 259 or 300) do not carry over.

Learning Objectives

1. DAW Fluency & Workflow — Navigate a DAW confidently, organize projects, and follow simple, repeatable workflows.
2. Sound Capture & Shaping — Record and edit audio/MIDI, and experiment with basic ways of creating/changing sounds.
3. Structure & Balance — Arrange ideas into coherent musical forms and apply fundamental mixing concepts for clarity.
4. Share & Reflect — Export/share work in common formats and briefly articulate creative/technical choices.

Class Materials (Required)

Students will need to bring personal computers (and headphones) to class. Students will use open-source software and free trial versions of the DAWs.