VSU Music Production Technology 

Entry Portfolio Overview 

Minor and Master Entry Portfolio


Minor:

For students interested in the MPT Minor who are not pursuing a music degree.

Purpose

This portfolio helps us understand:
  • Your interest in music production
  • Your creativity
  • Your comfort with basic audio or media tools
  • Your potential to succeed in MPT courses

This is not a test of musical training or theory knowledge.

  1. Creative Samples (Submit 2-3 Examples)

Choose any combination of the following. Beginner-level work is completely acceptable:

  • A beat, loop, or short track (BandLab, GarageBand, FL Studio demo, etc.)
  • A recording you made (voice, instrument, interview, podcast, soundscape, etc.)
  • A remix or sample-based project (using royalty-free loops or stems)
  • A sound design example (sound effects, Foley, ambient sound, etc.)
  • A media/tech project
    • Edited video
    • Photo set (up to 5 images)
    • Game audio or coding project
    • Any multimedia piece that shows creativity

Anything creative that demonstrates curiosity and effort is welcome:

  1. Short Written Repsonse(Required)

Write one short paragraph (150-250 words) answering:

  • Why do you want to minor in Music Production Technology at VSU?
  • What creative tools or apps have you used (if any)?
  • What are your goals or interests related to music, audio, or media?
  1. Submission Format
You may submit your portfolio using:
  • Google Drive
  • OneDrive
  • Dropbox
  • BandLab, SoundCloud, or YouTube links
  • Phone-recorded audio/video is acceptable

Suggested folder structure:
Lastname_Firstname_MPT_Minor_Portfolio

  • Creative Samples
  • Written Response
  1. What We're Looking For
  • Genuine interest and curiosity
  • Creativity (any medium)
  • Ability to complete tasks and follow instructions
  • Readiness to learn and grow in the MPT curriculum

No formal music or theory training is required.

For any quesGons or concerns with compleGng or submiJng your Entry PorKolio, please contact
DusGn Painter, MPT Program Coordinator, at dpainter@vsu.edu or mpt@vsu.edu


Master:

Applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating creativity, potential, and readiness for the MPT program.

What We Look For

  • Creativity & artistic potential
  • Basic technical awareness
  • Commitment to the field
  • Reflection and communication skills
  • Readiness for the MPT curriculum

Portfolio Requirements

  1. Creative Portfolio (3-5 Examples Required)

Choose any combination of the following:

  • Original Audio Production
    • 30+ seconds; any DAW or hardware; beat, loop, remix, or track
  • Recording / Engineering
    • Recorded/mixed vocal or instrument
    • Multitrack mix
    • Field recording or soundscape
    •  Live sound example (with brief explanation)
  • Sample-Based Production
    • Sample flip, loop arrangement, remix
  • Sound Design / Media Audio
    • Foley, synth design, ambient soundscape, game/video audio
  • Musician or Composer Skills
    • Composition, arrangement, performance, MIDI/notation
  • Technology or Media Project
    1. Video editing, multimedia, photography (up to 5 images)
    2. Coding or game-audio integration (This option supports students with limited access to DAWs.)
  1. Written Component (Required)
Artist/Producer Statement (300-500 words)

Explain:

  • Why you want to study MPT at VSU
  • Your creative interests (genres, tools, influences)
  • What you submitted and what you learned
  • Your goals in the program and beyond

  1. Supplemental Composition Task (Required)

A short music-theory-based composition to help assess musical foundations

How to Complete It

Create a short musical idea using either a scale or a chord progression.
Submit as audio, MIDI, notation, or clear handwritten music.


Option A: Scale-Based Composition

Compose 1-2 minutes of music using one of these scales:

  • C major
  • A minor
  • C major pentatonic
  • A minor pentatonic
  • Blues scale (any key)


Requirements:

  • Clearly arXculated melody
  • Minimum of 16 measures
  • Short explanation (3–5 sentences)
Option B: Chord Progression Composition

Compose 8–12 measures using one progression:

Level 1:


  • I–V–vi–IV
  • ii–V–I
  • i–VII–VI–VII


Level 2:

  •  I–vi–IV–V
  • iii–vi–ii–V–I
  • i–iv–V–i


Requirements:

  • Include melody or rhythmic idea above chords
  • Brief reflection on your creative process


Optional Supplemental Materials

  • Resume
  • AV or live sound documentation
  • Social media or website links
  • Recommendation letters


Submission Format

  • Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, WeTransfer or
  • SoundCloud/YouTube playlist or
  • Personal website/EPK

Suggested Folder Structure:
Lastname_Firstname_MPT_Application_Portfolio

  • Audio
  • Media
  • Optional Materials
  • Statement.pdf

For any quesKons or concerns with compleKng or submiNng your Entry PorOolio, please contact
DusKn Painter, MPT Program Coordinator, at dpainter@vsu.edu or mpt@vsu.edu.