Expertise

The M.Sc. degree in “Music and Acoustic Engineering” aims at building an expertise on representation, modeling, manipulation and rendering  of audio content (musical signals, speech and sound in general), acoustic and vibrational fields, and musical content.

The degree offers two tracks:

  • “Acoustic Engineering”, which emphasizes aspects related to the design of musical instruments, electroacoustic systems (amplifiers, loudspeakers), design of listening spaces and industrial workplaces, active noise control and reduction;
  • “Music Engineering”, which specializes on representation and processing of musical information and audio content in general.

Acoustic Engineering

The graduated in “Acoustic Engineering” designs systems for the modification, manipulation and rendering of sound fields. Among others, examples of competences of this professional figure are the design musical instruments (both acoustics and electroacoustics);  amplification, diffusion and sonification systems; the design of listening spaces and workplaces where noise reduction is an issue and the design of active noise control and reduction systems. Moreover, the “Acoustic Engineer” deals with measurement and characterization of resonant structures, based on advanced prediction and simulation techniques.

During his studies, the “Acoustic Engineer” has integrated knowledge on

  • representation, manipulation and characterization of information related to vibrational and acoustic fields with application to musical instruments; listening spaces and measurement systems;
  • design and implementation of musical instruments; listening spaces; amplification and diffusion systems; audio recording systems; active noise control and reduction.

The “Acoustic Engineer” is characterized by a strong expertise in both computer science and acoustics, and is employed as a designer for musical instruments, electroacoustics systems for Italian, European and extra EU companies. Moreover, the industry of microelectronic devices for  audio is increasingly employing engineers with a strong preparation on both audio signal processing and computational acoustics. 

Another area where the Acoustic Engineer can be employed is that of the design of listening spaces and architectural acoustics. 

It is finally worth noticing that many companies, even if are not strinctly related to audio market, are interested on the design and monitoring of noise emissions, acoustic comfort, or noise control in general.

Music Engineering

The “Music Engineer” is an expert of methodologies and technologies related to the audio and music related content, with emphasis on audio and sound signal processing. 

This professional figure is active in the scientific and technological development in this area, which requires a multidisciplinary knowledge, a critical sensibility and a strong professional preparation. 

The Music Engineer has integrated competences in

  • processing, manipulation and modification of the audio, acoustic and musical signals for several applications. Examples are analysis, classification and processing of musical and audio content; representation, coding, storing and manipulation of musical content; automatic annotation of multimedia signals; music and audio information retrieval; analysis and modeling of the musical structure.
  • Design and implementation of systems for: audio recording and capturing;  music production and synthesis of  musical signals; automatic music transcription; automatic and assisted music composition;  networked music performance and, more in general, for the broadcasting of audio and musical content; advanced applications where interactive audio takes an important role (e.g. gaming and museum informative systems).

The Music Engineer has strong competences on computer science and development of algorithms. Therefore, he can finds employment in music production, distribution and broadcasting industry. The skills in audio signal processing make the Music Engineer appealing also for companies that produce audio electronic for the consumer market.