B.M. in Media Scoring and Production

Overview

The Bachelor of Music in Media Scoring and Production (MSP) is a program designed to provide the highest level of preparation for qualified composers and producers for media. Successful students will complete diverse writing (composing, scoring, producing) assignments, as well as develop technical and practical skills in the recording studio. In addition, students will increase their knowledge of current trends in the music industry. 

Prospective students should furnish evidence of outstanding writing and production creativity, as well as basic digital audio workstation (DAW) and music notation skills.

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.70 to remain in the MSP Program.

Advanced Writing and Communication Skills

Courses

All students are required to successfully complete 3 Advanced Writing and Communication Skills (AWC) courses. Student degree requirements will include courses that meet the desired communication outcomes in evaluated and revised writing, speaking, stage presence, and audience engagement.
All music students will successfully complete:

1. MCY 141 Musical Trends and Traditions, which will include substantial evaluated and revised writing components (MSP Majors will take this or another equivalent course depending on their area of emphasis)

2. MCY XXX (200 level or higher), which will include discipline specific communication skills.

3. MSP 445 Senior Project/Portfolio/Business Plan, This course is the capstone for both the MSP programs.  Students will develop and compile a portfolio of creative works that showcase their individual artistry, including but not limited to recordings, videos, songs, scores, and/or other applicable media elements.  
 

Assessment

There will be at least 2 specific assessments in each Advanced Communication Skills course for communications or writing equivalent to 4000 words, evaluated and revised.

Curriculum Requirements

¹

EMC core courses require a grade of “C” or higher.  Lessons require a grade of "B" or higher.

²

MSP majors with a Media Writing emphasis are strongly encouraged to add a minor in Music Composition with the approval of the MTC Department Chair: http://bulletin.miami.edu/undergraduate-academic-programs/music/music-theory-composition/music-composition-minor/

*Students who wish to pursue a minor in Music Composition must declare their intentions before the first semester. Students must follow the specific plan of study provided for MSPD majors with Composition minor to ensure degree completion, and should consult with their academic advisor before beginning coursework.

Suggested Plan of Study: MSP Major (Media Scoring Emphasis)

 Suggested Plan of Study: MSP Major (Production Emphasis)

Suggested Plan of Study: MSP Major (Media Scoring Emphasis), w minor in Music Composition

*

MSP majors with a Media Scoring emphasis are strongly encouraged to add a minor in Music Composition with the approval of the MTC Department Chair: http://bulletin.miami.edu/undergraduate-academic-programs/music/music-theory-composition/music-composition-minor/

*Students who wish to pursue a minor in Music Composition must declare their intentions before the first semester. Students must follow the specific plan of study provided for MSPD majors with Composition minor to ensure degree completion, and should consult with their academic advisor before beginning coursework.

Mission

The Media Scoring & Production (MSP) degree program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for the many issues facing today’s commercial music writers and producers. In this specialized program, successful students complete diverse compositional assignments, develop technical and practical skills in the recording studio, and acquire an understanding of the music industry.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate the ability to plan, prepare, produce, and execute original contemporary commercial music and arrangements.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to compose, score, orchestrate, record, and edit, original music for visual media such as film, video, and games.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to produce, record, edit, and prepare for distribution original contemporary/commercial music and arrangements.
• Students, in conjunction with an advisor, will construct a plan to complete an area of emphasis in either Media Writing or Production.