The Master of Arts programs were developed in conjunction with members of the professional audio and acoustics communities to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work at an advanced level in the field of audio and/or acoustics. The program is intended both for current audio professionals who wish to obtain a post-baccalaureate credential and individuals with a background in science, engineering, technology, and/or music who are seeking additional training in order to gain employment in the audio or acoustics industries.
Admission requires an undergraduate degree in architecture, audio technology, computer sciences, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or recording sciences. It is preferred that applicants have completed undergraduate coursework in physics and calculus, or have taken AP or IB level physics and calculus in high school. Additional requirements are a background in music with the ability to play an instrument or sing. Students pursuing Recording Arts and Sciences must take college Music Theory or have taken AP Music Theory (or equivalent). International students must demonstrate competencies in English commensurate with expectations for Peabody’s Master of Music degree program.
Prospective students may audition a maximum of two times for any given Peabody program. After two unsuccessful auditions, students will no longer be eligible for admittance into the Conservatory.
Program Requirements
Students choose from two majors: Acoustics or Recording Arts and Sciences. Core coursework includes Musical Acoustics, Electroacoustics, Psychoacoustics, and Architectural Acoustics. The remaining coursework in each track consists of courses specific to the major chosen by the student, in consultation with their faculty advisor in accordance with background and professional goals.
The Acoustics major is designed to prepare students to work as professionals in the fields of acoustical consulting (with a particular focus on music performance and rehearsal spaces), audiovisual systems design, and acoustical product design. The program provides a thorough grounding in acoustical fundamentals and design practices to enable graduates to begin careers in these specialized fields upon graduation.
The Recording Arts and Sciences major is designed to prepare students to work as professionals in the many specialties within the professional audio field – in particular, recording engineering, music producing, product development, and consumer audio. Alumni have found work in recording studios; film and television score mixing; video game sound design, composition, and coding; radio and television broadcast; consumer electronics; audiovisual system design; and others.
Students must fulfill a 4-semester full-time residency requirement and complete their program within five (5) years of entering.