Using musical instruments as an engineering educational medium

At Tufts University, the authors have developed and implemented a curriculum in musical instrument engineering (MIE). This program includes both a concentration certificate for the mechanical engineer and a minor for those majoring in other degrees. By using musical instruments as an educational medium, they are teaching the fundamentals of engineering through a familiar and nonthreatening subject. Further, the use of musical instruments as a pedagogical tool allows central engineering principles to be more intuitive and accessible to students of all disciplines. This creates a unique situation, where engineers and their liberal arts counterparts work side-by-side solving problems and developing creative solutions. Thus, both groups benefit from a diverse classroom population. The program implements three major facets of engineering education: lecturing; project design and development; and scientific research. Because of the familiar subject matter, this multi-faceted learning experience is not only more enjoyable, but the concepts become instantly applicable and are internalized more quickly.