ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — If you want to minor or pursue a concentration in music
technology, Ron Parks wants to make sure the name “Winthrop University” comes to mind first.
“We have to come in with music specialties and expand that footprint through these innovative programs and digitally,” said Parks, professor of music and director of the music technology minor. “We want to create the reputation that if you want to do music technology, Winthrop should be your first choice. … Music technology is trending right now.”
Winthrop will offer two new options in the music field:
*Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in music technology (pending CHE approval): This is a non-performance-based program for music students interested in a technology-centric program that provides training and hands-on experience on performing/producing music using, of course, technology.
For this concentration, students are not required to perform a recital at the end of their coursework, but will need to audition on an instrument and will take lessons on instrument, voice or composition.
*A minor in music technology: Students must pass a music theory and aural skills entrance exam or receive a grade of C or better in basic musicianship to enroll. They must also meet with Don Rogers, chair of the Department of Music, and Parks before declaring.
The coursework for both the concentration and minor are similar, covering the foundations of music technology; recording and audio production; sound synthesis and signal processing; sound design and visual media; and music business and entrepreneurship. However, the concentration does require a capstone project.
“This program is designed intentionally for those who are musically talented, but prefer to create, produce, and perform music using technology."
Parks pointed out that Winthrop already has excellent equipment for music technology, including:
*Recording/audio production, i.e., sound isolation booth, field recording equipment, mobile recording set-up;
*Sound synthesis, i.e., various software for digital signal processing;
*Computer music lab featuring multiple work stations with state-of-the-art software and hardware;
*Single-user computer music studio with state-of-the-art hardware and software;
*Facilities like Creator Space, digital/audio video, multi-station computer music lab, post-production audio and video stations; single-user computer music station; mobile audio recording set-up.
For more information contact Parks at 803/323-4608 or parksr@winthrop.edu or visit his website.
