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Music and Computer Science

The combined degree program in Music and Computer Science is ideal if you intend to work with music and technology, or if you want a job in a technological field while working with music.

The disciplines of music and computer science are closely linked. The last half-century of music history is full of attempts to adapt to and adopt technological advancements. These days, live music performances frequently involve computer technology, from synthesizers and samplers to 3-dimensional controllers for manipulating sound. And computers are instrumental in producing music recordings, music for film and video games, and delivering music across all audio-visual platforms.

Our combined program allows students to combine music and computer science in varied amounts, resulting in either a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music or a Bachelor of Science. This is one of our most popular and competitive degrees. 

 

Once you’ve submitted an application for admission to UVic, you may apply to the Combined Music and Computer Science degree program by submitting the supplemental .

Supplemental applications should be submitted by January 31, although they will be accepted until February 15 for entry in the following September.

Music courses include: Computer Science courses include:
  • Theory
  • History
  • Acoustics
  • Recording techniques
  • Sound synthesis and manipulation
  • Computer music 
  • Programming techniques
  • Algorithms
  • Data structures
  • Operating systems
  • Networks
  • Multimedia systems
  • Digital signal processing
  • Artificial intelligence
  •  

The disciplines of Music and Computer Science have a natural affinity. The history of music over the last half century has been very largely a history of its attempts to take in and adapt the new possibilities afforded by technological innovation.

Students who can work both with technology and music can be found producing music recordings, creating music for films, video games, and working in other aspects of the entertainment industry. Live performance, sampling, and compression are other areas of interest for students with technology and music skills. Cutting edge work with 3-d sound controllers, and other interdisciplinary research is also possible. Technology and music seem to be an ever-changing combination. 

  • Film and television audio 
  • Audio for video games (e.g. Electronic Arts in Vancouver, a multi-billion dollar company)
  • Studio recording 
  • Internet audio formats: design, delivery, translation, migration 
  • Audio recording formats: design and delivery 
  • Music-related software: design and delivery 
  • Music-related hardware: design and delivery
  • Remote, collaborative music events (including remote rehearsal and performance) 
  • Music pedagogy: web design and delivery 
  • Design of new (virtual) musical instruments
  • Sonic environments
  • Sonic recognition