Apply

Application to the Multimedia Arts Technology-Music program includes separate procedures for Western Michigan University and the major itself.  Read all the steps below.

Please review deadlines for New Student Admissions Day.  

Admission procedures

Submit an application to the University during the initial filing period (if already a student at Western Michigan University, you may skip this step and proceed to the following).  

Submit an application to attend a School of Music New Student Admissions Day at least one week prior to the New Student Admissions Day that you wish to attend.  In addition to contact information and your educational history, be prepared to address the following questions:

    • What drew your interest to the MAT degree program?
    • What audio and/or video software and hardware do you have experience with?
    • Do you have any other applicable experience related to music and/or technology?
    • What are your goals during and after the MAT program?

    Submit a portfolio highlighting your existing work with technology.  This portfolio must be submitted at least one week prior to your New Students Admission Day.  Go to the WMU Music Submissions website for specific instructions on uploading portfolio materials. Your portfolio may contain:

      • Audio files on which you were involved in the production, including but not limited to recording, mixing, etc.
      • Video files on which you were involved in the production, including but not limited to video editing, videography, animation, audio editing, etc.
      • Document listing live sound experience or other experience that did not result in a product you can submit.

      • Any other materials related to your knowledge and/or experience using technology to create audio or visual art.

      When attending the New Student Admissions Day, you will do the following:

        • Complete an interview with the Multimedia Arts Technology faculty.  During the interview you will be asked about your desired career path; quizzed on the audio and/or video software, hardware, or processes that you mentioned in your letter; asked about your music background, and asked about items submitted in your portfolio.
        • Give a brief performance*  (no more than 1-2 minutes in duration) for multimedia arts technology faculty on either:
          • Any traditional or non-traditional acoustic instrument (including any vocal style or guitar): You are responsible for providing your own instrument
          • Any traditional or non-traditional electronic instrument (including electric guitar, keyboard, or DJ-style performance): If you have questions about what technology we have available, please email christopher.biggs@wmich.edu
        • Complete the written theory test only for the purpose of theory placement.  No aural skills testing required.
        • Attend informational sessions about the School of Music.

         ________

        *If the applicant wishes to take applied lessons for credit, they must arrange for an additional Studio Audition time on New Student Admissions Day.

        Please consult with music’s undergraduate advisor for additional application details. 

         

        Application Deadlines

        For information regarding your application to Western Michigan University, visit the University's application page. 
        For information regarding the School of Music admissions days, visit the School of Music apply page. 
        Portfolios must be submitted the week prior to your interview. If your interview is on a Saturday, you must submit your portfolio the Friday of the previous week, which is 8 days beforehand. If your interview is on a Friday, you must submit it the previous Friday. Please bring your portfolio on a flash drive just in case. 

        Evaluation

        Prospective or current WMU students may apply to the B.S. in multimedia arts technology major a maximum of two times.

        Applicants are evaluated in various categories. The most important categories are previous technology experience and knowledge, portfolio, music experience, and academic performance. We also evaluate the clarity with which applicants answer questions in person, a brief musical performance, and the appropriateness of their goals in relation to what the program offers.