A new music minor will provide students from all majors with up-to-date technology and opportunities for increased experience and training in music technology.

“It’s a minor intended for students who are interested in both music and technology,” said Christopher Hopkins, assistant professor of music. “We are expecting interest especially from students in engineering, programming, art and design, and media studies.”

Hopkins, who is the head of the initiative, said the idea for the new minor came from a goal from the ISU 2005-10 Strategic Plan to support connections of the arts with Iowa State’s strengths in science and technology.

Although music technology will not officially be available as a minor for at least two years, the program already includes 12 core credits in fundamentals of music theory and foundational studies in music software.

“There are stages of approval from the music faculty up through layers of college and administration before the minor can be approved as a permanent addition to the program,” Hopkins said.

The focus of the program will be on the musical applications of computer-based technologies, including studio-based composition, sound synthesis design and performance technologies.

In addition to the current “test-drive” courses, classes in Musical Instrument Digital Interface, digital audio techniques and electronic music synthesis will be offered this spring.

Hopkins said the minor will offer the training and experience a traditional vocational training program cannot provide. He said he hopes this will also open up a new venue in the performing arts for students outside of the music department, since those who enter the minor will not be required to do the preparation and audition required of music majors.

Steve Woodin, vocal teacher at Urbandale High School, said the idea of the program was appealing to him and probably other music teachers, especially if it included the use of computers and mini-programs. He said the last technology class he took was a more general look at software and programs available to teachers, but lacked a focus on music.

“The more hands on the better,” Woodin said.

The new minor will also benefit music majors because it will enhance faculty and increase elective options, Hopkins said.

“There is an anticipated good synergy between the undergraduate minor and the interdisciplinary work at the graduate level as we establish graduate courses in digital art, humanities, and thematic and technical development,” he said.

Courses in technology will also be available for recertification for Iowa music teachers, something previously not accessible.

“Given Iowa State’s central location, our music department is in the position to be a significant contributor to technological progress in primary and secondary schools over a large, if not dominant, portion of the state,” Hopkins said.

He said he wants “music to become an integral part of student life.”