Which Path Should Musicians Take: DSP, Communications Science, or Engineering?

[snackanddrink]

Let's say I want to build music systems. Which rabbit hole do I travel down?

Anybody do dsp? Communications science could double as a music processing skill, yeah? whaddaya say? I think it boils down to computer science vs. computer engineering. one being more software, the other more hardware.

 

[physics girl phd]

I'm sure someone is more qualified than I, but:

Depending on what you mean by "build," you might even think about EE. Here's my litle bit of experience: I took a DSP as an EE course (elective), where we often wrote computer code to process signals (many were sound files, and the processing was done using a MatLab platform but of course you could use others). DSP is definitely cool, but of course, you might also want to know about signal process in the analog sense...learning about the actual electronics that can make up certain types of filters ... and that decidedly falls more in the realm of an engineering curriculum. In my day, computer engineering REALLY new, and was in the department of EE anyways...

Many of the EE's I know consult on things like the design of lighting systems, security systems, etc. and hire contractors to install stuff. Sounds somewhat similar, if you want design systems for buildings, venues, or even for people's homes when they are pouring big bucks into a restoration or new build.

Of course... whichever you chose...you can always tailor extra coursework or a minor to include the classes that really relate. Something really fun...there are companies (although they are often small) that do that kind of thing... can you find a part-time job or an internship in this area?

 

[Maxwell]

DSP will include a lot of programming. You'll design a lot of filters. Most of your coding will be done in MATLAB while you're in school.

 

[snackanddrink]

How easily do you guys think the academic side of ECE applies to your own little projects? Like, is a class of dsp design going to help me make some neat max/msp patches? In other words, how has your education doubled in your art?

 

[Nothing000]

You are going to go through one of the most difficult academic programs in order to build a "music system". Good luck with that.

 

[snackanddrink]

very keen on the constructive criticism, eh?
it may be in a few posters' interests to hold onto their identity and hobbies in their lifetime.

 

[Nothing000]

Do you live in Canada?