Programme details

SACMMT (South African College of Music, Music Technology)

  • Strives to push the boundaries of musical expression and learning through the integration and utilisation of technologies.
  • Pursues diverse challenges, from concert hall classical recordings to avant-garde technology-infused fringe compositions - and everything in between.
  • Aims to inspire and learn from current and future generations of musical innovators and creators.
  • Not only embraces the present - it wants to contribute to shaping the future.

This programme offers a progressive learning pathway into the dynamic field of music technology, preparing students for creative and technical careers in music production, sound design and audio engineering.

Programme highlights

Hands-on training with industry-standard DAWs and recording gear

  • Integrated creative and technical skill development
  • Theoretical foundation rooted in audio science and critical listening
  • Small class sizes and access to professional studio environments
 

Courses (degrees and diplomas) offered

 

  • Degree – 4 years
  • Honours – 1 year
  • Masters – 2 years
  • PhD – 3 years

Course outlines

Year 1: Music Technology IA (MUZ1381H)

This introductory course is designed for musically proficient students new to the world of music technology. Students learn to create and record music using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) in a dedicated music technology lab with an adjacent recording booth. Focus areas include:

  • MIDI sequencing
  • Live musical performance using technology
  • Basic audio recording techniques

While the emphasis is on hands-on experience, the course also introduces the theoretical foundations behind the tools and techniques.

Year 2: 

Music Technology IIA (MUZ2372H)

Building on the skills developed in Year 1, this course delves deeper into audio recording, audio processing and mixing within a studio environment. Core theoretical and practical studies expand to include:

  • Recording Studio etiquette and operational procedures
  • Practical audio recording
  • Studio monitoring
  • Audio editing, processing and mixing

Music Technology IIIA (MUZ3371H)

Building on the audio recording and processing skills developed in Music Technology IIA, this course aims to introduce the student to the world of Film Sound and Audio Post Production, while still encouraging individual and group recording sessions and creative output. Core theoretical and practical studies include:

  • Introduction to Film Sound
  • Location recording
  • Audio Post-production: Foley, ADR, Sound effects, Film scoring
  • Final Creative Project

Music Technology IIB (MUZ2373H)

Building on the skills developed in Year 1, this course delves deeper into audio recording and mixing within a project studio environment. Students further refine their creative approach through advanced patcher-based software composition. Core theoretical studies expand to include:

  • Sound wave theory
  • Acoustics and psychoacoustics
  • Psychophysics and critical listening
  • Industry standards and specifications

Year 3: Music Technology IIIB (MUZ3372H)

The final year of the programme focusses on advanced music production techniques, including audio mastering and professional audio production workflows. Students continue to use high-end studio facilities and explore creative possibilities through patcher-based software. The theoretical component deepens understanding of:

  • Advanced acoustics and audio analysis
  • Critical listening methodologies
  • Technical standards for mastering and production

Year 4: Music Technology IV (MUZ4371H)

Information available from Theo Herbst via email on theo.herbst@uct.ac.za

Entrance requirements

 

Students who wish to qualify for entrance to the second year of this Music Technology stream must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Music [HB010] General (MUZ33) OR Jazz Studies (MUZ07) curriculum and register for Music Technology IA.
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