The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, has appointed Dennis DeSantis as associate professor to lead its new Bachelor of Music in Music Creation and Technology. CDM Create Digital Music reported that this curriculum uniquely combines rigorous conservatory training in theory and performance with engineering courses from the University of Rochester.
According to the report, students will move between traditional music studies at Eastman and classes in computer science, audio engineering, and electrical engineering at the main university campus. DeSantis told the outlet that the goal is for students to master creative thinking and eventually modify or build their own tools when existing software cannot realize their musical ideas. The course list includes sound design, Max/MSP programming, and electronic music product design.
DeSantis emphasized that while artificial intelligence presents disruptions, the program prepares students to challenge default tool functionalities rather than rely on them passively. He noted that graduates could pursue diverse careers ranging from composition and education to hardware design and playback engineering. The initiative aims to support musicians who view technology as their primary instrument while fostering collaboration between artists and engineers.
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