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12 Hidden Gem Colleges Combining Music and Technology
For students who love both music and technology, there are exciting college options that go far beyond traditional conservatories. These programs merge performance, theory, and creativity with audio engineering, digital media, and even computer science. The result is a pathway for students to become not only skilled musicians, but also innovators ready for careers in music production, audio engineering, film scoring, and interactive media. While well-known schools often dominate the conversation, there are hidden gems across the country offering interdisciplinary programs and real-world opportunities.
Here are 12 hidden gem colleges that combine music and technology:
Belmont University (Nashville, TN)
In the heart of Music City, Belmont offers majors in songwriting, music business, audio production, and commercial composition. Students benefit from industry-connected faculty and internships with major recording studios and music companies.
Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Carnegie Mellon’s Music and Technology program is jointly run by the schools of music, computer science, and electrical engineering. Students explore audio engineering, computer music, sound synthesis, and interactive music systems at the cutting edge of innovation.
Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)
Drexel’s Music Industry program prepares students for the business and technology sides of the field. Concentrations in music production and recording arts are paired with paid co-op experiences that place students in the music industry before graduation.
William Paterson University (Wayne, NJ)
William Paterson blends its top jazz program with Sound Engineering Arts, giving students practical experience in music production and audio engineering. Its location near New York City provides access to one of the most vibrant music markets in the world.
Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, IL)
Illinois Wesleyan combines the intimacy of a liberal arts setting with a comprehensive music school. Students explore classical, jazz, and emerging music technology programs with strong faculty mentorship.
Columbia College Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Columbia College offers innovative degrees in Contemporary Urban and Popular Music. With an emphasis on music production, technology, and film scoring, students engage in capstone internships that link directly to the Chicago arts scene.
Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA)
Georgia Southern’s Music Technology program includes sound design, interactive media, recording, and digital audio montage. Students gain broad technical skills to complement their music training.
Los Angeles College of Music (Los Angeles, CA)
LACM emphasizes hands-on training in music technology alongside performance, composition, and business. Its professional environment and location in Los Angeles provide direct industry connections.
Montgomery County Community College (Pottstown, PA)
An affordable choice, Montgomery County Community College offers foundational training in sound engineering and music production. With access to professional equipment, students develop marketable skills in a supportive setting.
Musicians Institute (Hollywood, CA)
The Musicians Institute blends music production and technology with performance-based learning. Its Hollywood location means students build connections in the entertainment capital while receiving a personalized education.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
Known primarily for engineering, Georgia Tech also offers interdisciplinary music technology courses and research opportunities. Students explore interactive media, digital audio, and music-related innovations at the intersection of art and science.
Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL)
Eckerd takes a unique interdisciplinary approach, connecting music and technology with environmental studies. Students gain both creative and technical skills in a small, liberal arts environment.