MEC.TECH 2026
Music Technology and Innovation Summer Program
MEC.TECH is a course exploring the powerful blending of creativity and technology, demonstrating how STEM knowledge can be a tool for artistic expression. Over the year students will explore this intersection by designing and programming their own digital musical tools, and learning how to use technology to shape sound and create original music. Through hands-on projects, they will learn the fundamentals of music technology, sound synthesis, and digital composition, culminating in a short musical performance.
Along the way, we will discuss how scientific and technical concepts—such as acoustics, signal processing, and electronic design—enhance creative possibilities in contemporary music. Students will also explore the broader social impact of music: how technology can empower new forms of artistic expression, foster community, and support personal and collective well-being.
The program is held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
2026 Program Schedule
Summer Session
Every student will participate in one full week of in-person workshops and performances.
Available weeks are:
June 15-19
July 13 - 17
Held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
The program will be held on campus, and includes supervision and accommodation assistance for out-of-town participants.
The program will take you through advanced concepts in music technology. Topics will include more sophisticated programming techniques, standard approaches to analyzing music, and techniques for using machine learning and AI to generate music. During this session you will create your own musical instrument, using a variety of sensor and interaction techniques. The conclusion of the week will be a performance where you will have the opportunity to perform your own musical composition on a professional stage.
The application will ask you for:
School transcript
2 short essays
A letter of recommendation from a teacher
A 1-2m minute video of you introducing yourself
Tuition payment instructions will be provided with acceptance letters.
Let us know at [email protected] if you have any questions - and we look forward to receiving your application!
Submit your application fee here (as well as fill out the application itself via Google Forms).
Be sure to give us the same name is listed on your application itself.
Student Activities
Learn how to create music by programming
Learn how to record and edit audio
Learn how to create custom digital musical instruments
Learn how the fundamentals of composing and producing electronic music
Learn the basic concepts of musical acoustics and digital audio
Learn how AI is changing the way we make music
Interaction with professional musicians and researchers
Learn how professional musicians and artists leverage technology to create new music
Learn about career paths in music technology
Learn how new technologies and innovation can leverage the power of music for healing, building community, and personal growth
Music Creation
Students will create their own digital musical instrument
Students will create their own musical composition, and perform with it
Students will have the opportunity to compete to perform in a professional music concert