Music, A.F.A., Music Technology and Sound Recording Concentration
At a Glance
Turn your passion for music and sound into real-world skills through hands-on training in audio engineering, recording, and production. Carroll’s Music Technology & Sound Recording concentration prepares students for creative careers and continued study in today’s evolving music industry.
Credit Count:
60
Helpful Resources
About the Program
The Music Technology & Sound Recording concentration within the Music A.F.A. combines creativity, technology, and performance in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. Students gain practical experience in audio engineering, studio recording, microphone techniques, mixing, signal flow, and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), while exploring the science and artistry behind sound.
Coursework also introduces students to acoustics, synthesis, MIDI, and audio effects, helping them build a strong foundation in modern music production and sound design. Through collaborative recording sessions, live event management, and peer critique, students develop critical listening skills, professional confidence, and valuable real-world experience.
Whether your goal is to continue your education or pursue opportunities in music technology, sound recording, production, performance, education, or related creative fields, this concentration prepares you to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving audio industry.
Advisory Board
Our curriculum is designed and continuously reviewed by an advisory board of industry experts and business leaders, ensuring the program meets all current skill and knowledge requirements. You can visit our Advisory Boards page to see the list of Music Advisory Board members, as well as advisory board members for our other programs.
Curriculum
Transfers & Careers
Discover Your Passion
Find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work.
Transfer
Carroll has transfer agreements with virtually every public college and university in Maryland, as well as many other schools throughout the state and across the country.
Learn more about transferring your courses to a different institution or explore Transfer Agreements by Area of Study.
Career
Maryland is located in a uniquely advantageous geographic position for those pursuing careers as Sound Engineers. The most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data cites the Maryland area as having the following national career ratings for Sound Engineers:
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4th highest employment level
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2nd highest concentration of jobs and location quotients
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2nd highest paying state in the field (Washington D.C.)
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The Baltimore, Columbia, Towson Metropolitan area has the 9th highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for Sound Engineering Technicians
While many who complete the MTSR concentration elect to pursue a career or transfer within the field of MTSR and sound engineering, graduates are equally prepared for transfer into degrees in Performance and Music Education.
The field of Music boasts a plethora of different job opportunities. The following list outlines but some of the possible career pathways:
- Arts Administration: Administrative Assistant; Executive Director; Public Relations
- Audio Technology: Audio Developer; Recording Engineer; Sound Designer
- Business: Instrument Maker; Piano Tuner; Repair Technician
- Concert Industry: Booking Agent; Concert Promoter; Sound Technician; Stage Manager; Tour Coordinator; Tour Publicist
- Music Therapy: Hospital; PreK-12 School Setting; Nursing Home; Private Practice; Rehabilitation Center
- Performance: Broadway Pit Musician; Choir Director; Church Musician; Conductor; Military Bands; Orchestral Musician; Jazz Musician
- Record Industry: Artist Manager; Retail Sales Manager; Music Attorney
- Music Education: Classroom Music Teacher; Studio Teacher; Research; Music Libraries
- Writing/Composition: Arranger; Commercial Songwriter; Copyist/Engraver; Film Score Composer; Jingle Composer; Music Journalist; Television Composer; Video Game Composer
