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Sweetwater and Indiana University Establish Music Technology Degree

The Music Technology Program collaboration will include internships at Sweetwater and classes in the departments of Music, Communication, Business and Engineering.

Fort Wayne, IN (February 25, 2010) -- Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) and Sweetwater announce the development of a new Music Technology Program at IPFW. The program is unique because it combines the talents of an outstanding music department with a world-renowned leader in the music industry. Students enrolled in the Music Technology Program will receive a Bachelor of Science in Music with a specialty in Music Technology. The new curriculum, currently being developed in consultation with Sweetwater, will begin in the fall of 2010.

“Our partnership with Sweetwater will allow us to build a program of prominence in the region and nationally,” says Charles O’Connor, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “Support from Sweetwater will allow IPFW to stay up-to-date with the latest music technology available.”

The Music Technology Program collaboration is a multi-disciplinary, multi-faceted partnership. It will include internships at Sweetwater and classes in the departments of Music, Communication, Business and Engineering. IPFW and Sweetwater will share facilities and faculty to enhance the experience and credentials for students.

A national search is currently underway to fill the position of clinical assistant professor at IPFW. Working at both Sweetwater and IPFW, this Professor-in-Residence will teach a variety of classes in Recording Arts, Electro Acoustic Music, Film Scoring, and the use of computer technology in the music field. Other professionals will also serve as adjuncts at IPFW, including some Sweetwater employees.

IPFW offers a recording studio that can record events in rehearsal rooms and performance halls in the Rhinehart Music Center. Music computer labs are available for mixing, producing and composing music. Students will be recording over 100 concerts each year for the Department of Music.

“This program will set our students apart,” says Robert Bean, chair of the Department of Music. “First and foremost, we will be graduating accomplished musicians,” he explains, “who also have a specialty in music technology.”

Chuck Surack, Founder and President of Sweetwater, said, "This is an opportunity to invest in students and in the future of our community. Music technology is an ever-expanding field, full of opportunity for well-trained, creative young people. We are very pleased to partner with IPFW to help in the development of a first-rate music technology program.”

For more information:
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne