A Vehicle for Creativity

The Music Technology Center, created by a grant from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and the National Endowment for the Arts, was completed in 1993 and houses multiple laboratories, suites and studios for student and faculty use. These areas contain state-of-the-art keyboards, synthesizers, computers, recording equipment and interactive multimedia stations which use some of the highest-quality software available today.

The benefits of the Center to students are many. Access to state-of-the-art computer hardware and software enables aspiring musicians to compete in a world of commercial music that has already embraced such technology. Students can use high quality audio and video recordings to improve their skills. Computer-assisted instructional programs for self-tutoring and creative exploration are available in a variety of areas. From education to performance, the Center's labs provide music students with powerful tools for learning and experimentation.

The Labs

The Computer/Synthesis Lab consists of 33 workstations equipped with Macintosh computers and a variety of synthesizers and keyboards as well as video capabilities for film scoring and television music applications. This facility allows students to develop and arrange musical ideas creatively and effectively, providing computer notation, laser-printed manuscript, sequencing and high-quality cassette recordings of compositions, arrangements and assignments.

The flexibility and power of computer notation and sequencing are as important to musicians as word processing is to writers. Notation software allows time and energy to be focused on the creative aspects of music composition rather than on the labor of copying manuscripts by hand. Sequencing affords virtually unlimited MIDI options for recording, playback and editing.

The skilled use of this technology has become a tool of the trade for many music educators and professional musicians.

Hardware available in the Computer/Synthesis Lab:

• Apple Power Macintosh G4 and G5 Computer systems
• Kurzweil K2500RS Samplers
• Keyboard Controllers
• Yamaha speaker systems
• Kawai mixers and MIDI patchbays
• Mark of the Unicorn MIDI Interfaces
• Computer-video synchronization interfaces
• Cassette recorders, videocassette recorders and television monitors
• and much more...

Software available in the Computer/Synthesis Lab:

• Finale
• Sibelius
• Digital Performer
• Band-in-a-Box
• Practica Musica
• MIDI Keyboard Lab
• Mach 5 Software Synthesis
• and much more...

The Electronic Keyboard Lab provides instruction and practice facilities for piano class and theory/composition students. The lab combines the advantages of current electronic keyboard, MIDI and computer technology through the use of Macintosh computers and Roland electronic piano. This lab also provides additional computer/synthesizer facilities during periods of high demand.

Interactive Multimedia Suites combine digital audio and video storage with the vast memory, flexibility and speed of high-end computer platforms. Using interactive multimedia software programs, students can draw connections between information presented as text, graphics, animation, video and audio. Such integration provides music instruction that is both comprehensive and imaginative. The Interactive Multimedia Suites also serve as a facility for the development of interactive multimedia programs.

The UNC Recording Studio provides commercial-quality production using the most current recording technology. Follow this link for more information.