NC State has an EE with music technology concentration. Va Tech has music tech has a double.
I’m still not sure OP seeks music academically.
I hope OP clarifies.
1 Like
Forgot about RIT. They have a music and technology minor that looks like it would meld well with an engineering major. Music and Technology Minor | RIT
And, as engineering seems to be a newer idea for this student, there is an Engineering Exploration major so that they can hone in on the field of engineering that is the correct fit.
2 Likes
Just to note - this is great. A lot of engineers are musical hobbyists or performers. I’m not sure the connection as I’m not techy but there is one.
Most importantly, for schools that look at ECs and not all do, that you have them is what matters. Sports, music, job, volunteering etc.
It’s a falsity that they need to be engineering focused.
I also missed you kind of liked Northeastern. I lumped with NYU. They may have a program that works if you seek musical education although I don’t think you do. This is technology so maybe. Given you went, I’m sure you know. Of course, getting in is a different story.
WPI LOVES musicians. If he’s into project based learning, he should take a look. He can also tailor his senior project around engineering in the music industry.
4 Likes
@Mellome has not returned. Without more information, some of these suggestions may or may not fit the son’s needs. He wants to do rock/pop performance “on the side.” He may not need any music program at all unless he wants to major in popular music at a school like USC Thornton or Miami Frost.
He has been designing and building audio equipment and instruments, so in what direction does he want to go?
If he wants to do electrical engineering, we need to know what area he is interested in. If it is audio engineering, recording technology, music technology, music production I can suggest about 20 schools, and many other posters have offered good ones.
His current activities could lead to a straight engineering program with extracurricular performance in rock/pop, or some of the combos of music and engineering suggested.
Music technology can lead to creative endeavors (including experimental media and experimental composition) or to technical studio work .
Lots of directions to go with electrical engineering that do not involve music.
electrical engineering - Search
Until @Mellome returns, tough to respond helpfully.
?
2 Likes
Also, RPI hosts a battle of the bands annually. So can definitely get the rock music opportunity there too.
2 Likes
So cool!! Thanks for sharing this!
1 Like
RIT, maybe, would be a likely school - excellent engineering and a lot of musical and artsy kids there due to the media/film school. Popular Music Collective | Performing Arts | RIT clubs List of Groups
1 Like
Sorry, got caught up with crazy work! Honestly, he has too many musical interests! He leans more towards popular music but is also an accomplished producer and composer. He also designs and builds guitar pedals and audio patches on the side. I think he is less interested in music theory or performance because he is well-versed in those but music tech or composition as a double major with engineering might work. The bigger issue for him is what he does outside of school. He wants to find bandmates and continue to play live shows while in college. Some towns, like NYC, Austin and Boston are more favorable to this. We’re mostly trying to figure out where else we should be looking! I think a lot of the suggestions here so far have been great!
1 Like
That might be a very ambitious schedule for an engineering student, especially if the band mates are not students and have to just practice and play (or maybe work a day job). If he were to team up with other students, they’d all have the same restrictions of not being able to play during finals week or not being able to travel for a week long trip to play in the clubs in LA. I think the clubs in Austin might be very competitive to get a good spot in, while maybe those in smaller college towns might be more available and just as much fun for someone not looking for a career.
Georgia Tech offers a B.S. in Music Technology.