Skip to main content
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Illinois State University Home
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About
Major

Careers

Creative Technologies: Audio and Music Production

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Majors
  4. Creative Technologies: Audio and Music Production
  5. Careers

Related Skills

Audio and Sound Engineering

Creative technologists looking to work in the field of sound must have a good understanding of audio theory, including concepts related to timbre, harmonics, speakers, microphones, and analog/digital recording terminologies. Sound artists and engineers will want to have a fundamental knowledge of physics, sound, and audio theory, and have experience coupling these concepts with artistic applications.

Application and Practice

Those entering this field will want the ability to function as both artist and technician in the application of audio theory. In our program, you’ll practice recording and sampling voice, instruments, drums, and small ensembles. You’ll learn the differences between microphones and placement techniques and how they are used to achieve different artistic outcomes. You’ll gain an understanding of recording fidelity and how it relates to post-production use.

Music Theory

Basic music theory, along with music history, genres, and common structures is a wonderful tool to have at your disposal. Music theory includes knowledge of notes, intervals, major/minor keys, chords, harmonic progressions, rhythm, and song structure/analysis.

In the Music Theory courses within the CTK AMP sequence, we explore theoretical principles demonstrated in a DAW piano roll rather than staff-based notation. We also cover an overview of the history of music, with an emphasis on key developments over the last century. Western historical periods and contemporary genres will be covered in reference to basic theory, and non-Western practices will also be introduced.

Audio Production

Audio Producers use digital audio workstations (DAWs) and understand concepts such as equalization, compression, reverb, time-based modulation, mixing, editing, and sonic narrative. There are a multitude of audio software applications, and producers must decide which to use and when to use them.

Music Business and Entrepreneurship Skills

The job market of tomorrow contains careers that we have not yet imagined. Individuals seeking to find their way in the music business must have marketing and entrepreneurship skills, must understand how money flows through the industry, and must be flexible and open to solving problems creatively. In our program, we explore how to open doors that create new opportunities.

Multimedia Skills

Along with amassing audio skills, students in the CTK AMP sequence have the opportunity to take courses in basic multimedia skills, thus giving them a robust set of tools for today’s job market. Along with Audio and Music Production, AMP students can learn web design, basic computer programming for creatives, user interface design, motion graphics and videography, and even virtual reality. The CTK program prides itself on creating well-rounded individuals with a wide breadth of knowledge.

  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Careers
  • Course Requirements (Catalog)
  • Sample Plans of Study

Contact

Career Industry Liaison

Kristy DeWall
(309) 438-2200
223 Bone Student Center

Internship Coordinator

Jody Decremer
(309) 438-3921
Center for Visual Arts 216A

Being Successful in the Field

Those who are successful in this field are hard workers, excellent knowledge-gatherers, and good at networking. The ability to research and understand new trends and technologies is paramount, as is the importance and power of social connections. The field is extremely competitive, so a good work ethic and great reputation sets you apart from everyone else. Your first job in the industry may not be exactly as you dreamed it, but the industry is fluid, ever-changing, and runs on connections.

Related Fields

  • Advertising
  • Animator
  • AR/VR Designer
  • Digital Artist
  • Digital Sound Producer
  • Digital Video Producer
  • Light and Set Designer
  • Marketing
  • Multimedia Design
  • Multimedia Production
  • UI (User Interface) Designer
  • UX (User Experience) Designer
  • Web developer
  • 3D Designer

 

Commonly Used Links

Illinois State

  • Milner Library
  • Technology Support Center
  • Maps and Directions
  • Search/A-Z
  • Academic Calendar
  • Safety and Security
  • Download ISU Mobile Apps

Students

  • My.IllinoisState.edu
  • Student Jobs
  • Catalog
  • Canvas
  • Undocumented Students, DACA, or Dreamers
  • Veterans and Military Services

Alumni

  • Alumni Association
  • Redbird Gear
  • Events
  • Magazine
  • Traditions

Faculty and Staff

  • Work at Illinois State
  • iPeople
  • Email and Office 365
  • Center for Integrated Professional Development
  • Shared Governance and Administration

© 2025 Illinois State University, Normal, IL USA | Contact Us

Privacy Statement | Cookie Statement | Identity Standards | Appropriate Use Policy | IBHE Online Complaint System | ISU Complaint Resolution | Accessibility | CARES Act Reporting

  • I. S. U. Facebook
  • I. S. U. Twitter
  • I. S. U. Instagram
  • I. S. U. Youtube
  • I. S. U. LinkedIn
  • I. S. U. TikTok
Closing menu Closing Menu
  • Close Menu
  • My
  • Contact
  • A to Z
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About Us
  • Apply
  • Visit

Getting Started

  • Incoming Freshman
  • Transfer Students
  • Graduate Students
  • International Students
  • Out of State Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Returning to ISU
  • Homeschooled Students

Non-traditional

  • En Español
  • Undocumented Students
  • Visiting Students
  • Second Bachelor's Degree
  • Parents and Families
  • Academics Overview
  • Academic Support
  • Majors
  • Minors
  • Graduate Programs
  • Pre-Professional
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Research Overview
  • Milner Library
  • Redbird Scholar
  • Student Life Overview
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • Student Organizations
  • Athletics Overview
  • GoRedbirds.com
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Administration
  • Our Community
  • Metrics of Excellence
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Traditions
  • Facility and Space Use
  • Learn How to Apply
  • What You Need Before You Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Fee and Waiver
  • Check Your Application Status
  • Disciplinary and Criminal Activity Disclosures
  • International Application Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Department Meetings
  • Driving Directions
  • Open House
  • Group Visits

University Resources

  • My Illinois State
  • Map
  • News
  • Events
  • Giving
Closing menu Closing Menu