Get Involved in Music

The Department of Performing Arts and Technology provides educational and performance opportunities for student and community participants through a variety of musical experiences and academic courses.

Any student can make music at NC State regardless of their major. Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in various fields bring their unique perspectives and backgrounds as they develop both artistically and intellectually.

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A wide variety of performing ensembles provide opportunities for students to develop both artistically and intellectually through applied music study. Through performance, the ensembles play an important role in campus life, presenting public concerts and performing at official functions (both on and off campus) and athletic events. Curricular performing ensembles receive one academic credit that may be used to satisfy free elective requirements in any academic major.

Feeling nervous about auditioning for a music ensemble? Try our symphonic band (MUS 135) to start, which doesn’t require an audition.

FAQs

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Enroll in a Music Course

The Department of Performing Arts & Technology is committed to providing broad-based educational opportunities for NC State students through a variety of music and dance experiences and introductory and upper-level courses. Department faculty seek to assist students in developing insights, skills, and the capacity to perceive and respond to music and dance in its historical and cultural contexts.

Enroll in a music course and expand your knowledge and understanding of the art form while you satisfy various GEP Requirements. Explore your options in the NC State course catalog. Our two music minors are designed for qualified undergraduate students who wish to pursue a more extensive study of music.

If you’re interested in learning to play an instrument, improving your vocal techniques or understanding the fundamentals of music theory, we offer several courses perfectly suited to student musicians just starting out.

Music Technology Major

The undergraduate major in Music Technology is an interdisciplinary program that provides a foundation of theoretical and practical skills in music and electrical and computer engineering to prepare students to design, develop, and implement advanced music technologies.

In addition to a variety of supporting courses, it has three primary components:

1. a musicianship core
   • 29 hours, including applied and ensemble study
2. an engineering core
   • 26 hours, including calculus and physics
3. a music technology core
   • 18 hours

Each student will complete a two-semester senior design project and select a small concentration in either Software and Digital hardware (SDH) or Electronics and Circuits (EC). Learn about each area of study below.

Music Minors

Music is part of who you are; there’s no reason to give that up when you get to college. Our two music minors let you choose whether to pursue a focused study of your instrument or explore music more broadly.

• Music Performance Minor (18 credit hours)
• Music Studies Minor (18 credit hours)

If you’re looking for a truly interdisciplinary education, consider adding a minor in music to your undergraduate experience. The skills you develop as a musician or gain as you deepen your understanding of music’s role in society will prepare you to think critically, lead with confidence and innovate in whatever field you choose.

Our outstanding faculty will help you get exactly what you want out of your music minor. You’ll also join our passionate community of student-musicians, music scholars and enthusiasts on campus, while building a foundation for lifelong music-making and engagement with the arts.

Learn more about our Music Minors

FAQs

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Students at NC State pursue their diverse interests through our courses and the affiliated student organizations that we support. 

Whether you’re looking for a chance to perform with a group or to learn more about a specific topic with like-minded friends, there’s a student-run club or organization waiting for you. If there’s not, we can help you start one!

Want to learn more? Explore all of NC State’s student-run organizations to find details, social media accounts and additional contact information for your organization of interest.

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Attend a Concert

The Department of Performing Arts and Technology presents dozens of concerts annually, providing various affordable opportunities for students, families and local concertgoers to experience incredible live performances. We hope to see you at a concert soon!

Series Events

Our department strives to make music accessible to everyone at NC State. In addition to our regular music ensemble concert season, our department offers unique performances, workshops, and lectures led by our faculty and professional guest artists.

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