Minor in Acoustics and Electronics

The acoustics and electronics minor at Berklee provides students an opportunity to investigate scientific, mathematical, psychological, and physiological principles in the study of acoustics. Students learn about the nature of sound waves and vibration, sound propagation, sound outdoors and indoors, sound transmission and noise reduction, sound reinforcement systems, room acoustics and vibration isolation, acoustics of musical instruments, the human ear and perception, and psychoacoustics. Students also learn how acoustics is studied and communicated mathematically, electronically, physiologically and psychologically. The minor emphasizes the contemporary musician's need to understand acoustical phenomenon in performance, composition, and music technology applications.  

Entrance Requirements

Students must take LMSC-130 Concepts of Mathematics or its equivalent. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a minor in acoustics and electronics, students will:

  • evaluate research in the field of acoustics;
  • analyze sounds waves and vibration, sound propagation;
  • evaluate sound outdoors and indoors;
  • synthesize sound transmission, sound reinforcement systems, and noise reduction strategies;
  • analyze data related to acoustical research in the student's chosen major;
  • apply technological tools to model and describe acoustical phenomena; and
  • apply scientific principles of acoustics to creative endeavors such as musical composition or performance.
Curriculum and Courses

Four courses total for completion of the minor (at least 11 credits).

Required Courses (6 credits):
  • LMSC-208 Music Acoustics (3 credits) or LMSC-209 Architectural Acoustics (3 credits)
  • LMSC-210 Principles of Audio Electronics (3 credits)
Electives (choose two courses; up to 5 credits)
  • LMSC-307 Introduction to Psychoacoustics (3 credits)
  • MTEC-308 Application of Loudspeaker Design (2 credits)
  • MTEC-383 Studio Maintenance and Troubleshooting (2 credits)
  • MTEC-351 Applications of Microphone Design (2 credits)