Want to study electronic music production? Eastman School of Music’s new undergraduate degree “explores new ways of creating and experiencing music with technology”

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Eastman School of Music, based at the University of Rochester, New York, is launching a new Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in Music Creation and Technology.

The brand-new major course is designed for creatives whose craft is grounded in electronic and digital technologies. As a student, you’ll get hands-on with electronic music production and performance, sound design, recording and editing, DJing, and the development of software and hardware.

Applications are open from 1 September until 1 December 2026, with study commencing in autumn 2027. The degree will equip growing artists with all the necessary skills they’ll need to thrive in careers across music, media, entertainment, and technology, as well as highly-desired technical and collaborative skills on a wider spectrum.

The launch of the new degree continues the growth of the Eastman School of Music, as it forms part of the recently established Department of Sound Arts and Engineering – an interdisciplinary academic branch between the Eastman School of Music and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences — representing an expansion of Eastman’s Beal Institute.

What can I expect from the Music Creation and Technology degree at Eastman School of Music?

In addition to technical coursework, the curriculum addresses the cultural, historical, and social contexts of music technology. Students will learn to analyse and interpret electronic music from multiple perspectives, collaborate in creative and professional environments, and contribute to inclusive artistic communities.

Students will also get to study in a newly constructed, state-of-the-art collaborative centre on campus, spanning 6,000 square feet and hosting a suite of modern labs, creative spaces, classrooms, teaching studios, and a recording studio for all to use.

Who teaches the Music Creation and Technology degree at Eastman School of Music?

The degree will be led by Associate Professor of Music and Technology, Dennis DeSantis ’05E (DMA). DeSantis is a composer, percussionist, sound designer, author, and the former Head of Music Learning at leading music software company Ableton.

At Ableton, he led the creation of the interactive websites Learning Music and Learning Synths, and contributed to the design of Ableton’s Live DAW and Push instrument. He is also the author of music production resource Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers.

“This programme invites students to explore new ways of creating and experiencing music with technology,” says DeSantis. “Students will make music using a range of modern tools, while also learning to think critically about those tools and to make new ones that push at the boundaries of what’s currently possible.”

Kate Sheeran, Joan and Martin Messinger Dean at Eastman, adds: “Dennis’ broad experience across the music industry – alongside his work as a performer, composer, and educator – makes him especially well-suited to lead this programme.

“With this major, Eastman is taking a progressive approach to the intersection of music and technology, positioning our students to engage thoughtfully in a rapidly evolving field and to lead the future of musical innovation.”

Meet DeSantis and find out more in the video below:

How to apply for the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Creation and Technology at Eastman School of Music

To find out more information about the programme, you can register for virtual informational sessions with Professor Dennis DeSantis. These sessions run this year on 24 September at 8:30 pm ET and 22 October at 8:30 pm ET.

You can also contact the Admissions Office for more information on the application requirements, or visit the Music Creation and Technology webpage on the Eastman School of Music website.

Further information can also be found on:

Learn more about the Eastman School of Music.