Recording Arts and Technologies, M.F.A.
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts and Technologies (MRAT) program at Middle Tennessee State University prepares students for advanced work in audio production, recording, and integrated electronic media. The program emphasizes both creativity and technical expertise, equipping graduates with a comprehensive range of skills for careers in the recording industry, including audio post-production, live sound engineering, and sound design for film/video.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts and Technologies (MRAT) program, offered by the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), is designed to prepare graduates for advanced work in audio production, recording, and integrated electronic media. The program is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in audio production and a deep understanding of the theoretical concepts related to the industry. The MRAT program is unique as it emphasizes both creativity and technical expertise, utilizing advanced software and hardware technologies to facilitate learning. Graduates of the program are equipped with a comprehensive range of technical and artistic skills, culminating in the creation of a final project of professional caliber. Additionally, the program prepares select graduates for potential roles in teaching audio recording and production at the postsecondary level.
Outline:
The MRAT curriculum is designed to cover a wide range of topics within recording arts and technologies, including:
Required Courses:
- MIDI and Music Synthesis Seminar
- Digital Audio Studio Seminar
- Multitrack Recording Seminar
- Visual Aesthetics and Technology I
- Visual Aesthetics and Technology II
- Production Seminar I
- Sound for Visual Media
- Production Seminar II
- Graduate Seminar in Audio Recording
- Seminar in Advanced Mixing Techniques
- Legal Rights of the Creative Individual
- The Art of Critical Listening
- Production Seminar III
- Final Project
Elective Courses:
Students can select elective courses from the following areas:
- Sound Reinforcement
- Sound System Design and Optimization
- Electronic Music and Controllerism
- Mastering
- Broadcast Audio Technology and Methods
- MIDI-Based Scoring for Visual Media
- Topics in Recording Industry
- Contemporary Methods of Programming and Production
- Seminar in Sound Reinforcement
- Introduction to Film Scoring
- Seminar in Mastering and Audio Restoration
- Immersive Audio Seminar
- Advanced Studio Production
- Directed Research
- Directed Production
- Graduate Internship The program structure typically involves full-time attendance, with students taking 9-12 hours per semester. The course sequence is designed to provide a gradual progression in knowledge and skills.
Teaching:
The MRAT program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members, including Bill Crabtree, the program director. The teaching methods employed include lectures, discussions, studio work, and hands-on projects. The program utilizes state-of-the-art facilities to provide students with access to professional-grade audio and video equipment.
Careers:
Graduates of the MRAT program are equipped for various careers in the field of recording arts and technologies, including:
- Audio post-production engineer
- Audio studio design and installation
- Broadcast audio
- Independent audio contractor
- Live sound engineer
- Manufacturer audio product specialist
- Mastering engineer
- Media specialist
- Recording studio engineer
- Recording studio manager
- Retail audio sales
- Sound design for film/video
- University professor Additionally, graduates may find employment opportunities with organizations such as Alabama State University, Asbury University, Avid, Belmont University, Brickhouse Records, Butler University, Clair Brothers, CNN, GC Pro, Hope College, Jeff Slaughter Ministries, Middle Tennessee State University, National Public Radio (NPR), New England School of Communications, Old Dominion University, Rensselaer Polytech, Sweetwater, Tennessee Digital Video, Top Track Recording, Truphonic Recording Studios, and Yamaha Corporation of America.
Middle Tennessee State University
Overview:
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.
Services Offered:
MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Financial Aid:
83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.Campus Improvements:
The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.Academic Support:
MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.Student Life:
The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.Career Services:
MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:
Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:
MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.Active Student Organizations:
Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.Athletics:
MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.Campus Events:
The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.Student Union:
The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.Strong Academic Programs:
MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.Diverse Student Body:
MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.Career Opportunities:
MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.Academic Programs:
MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.Business:
Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.Education:
Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.Engineering and Technology:
Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.Fine Arts:
Offers majors in music, theater, and art.Health and Human Sciences:
Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.Liberal Arts:
Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.University College:
Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.Other:
- MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
- MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
- MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
- MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
- MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.
Entry Requirements:
The Department of Recording Industry offers the Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts and Technologies (MRAT) program. The Master of Fine Arts program offers preparation for advanced work in audio production, recording, and integrated electronic media. Students develop a strong foundation in audio production and an understanding of the theoretical concepts of closely related disciplines. The program fosters creativity and offers a strong technical component, utilizing the latest advancements in software and hardware. A diverse range of technical and artistic projects are produced, culminating in a final project of professional caliber. The degree plan also offers preparation for select graduates to teach at the postsecondary level in the field of audio recording and production. Admission to the Master of Fine Arts program in Recording Arts and Technologies requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college; undergraduate preparation or significant professional experience appropriate to the graduate curriculum and a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00 in all courses attempted, excluding repeated courses; a satisfactory score on the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that is not more than five years old. Successful applicants typically have scores of 146 verbal and 140 quantitative or better on the verbal and quantitative measures of the GRE, and an analytical writing score of 4 or better.
