Student Technology Requirements and Recommendations
Overview
Peabody requires all students to own a laptop computer or iPad Pro that meets the standards established by the academic and technology leadership of the institution. Depending on your academic program, you may have more specific software and hardware requirements.
The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University encourages you to ensure you have the right tools for the upcoming school year. Please review recommendations and requirements list below. If you do not have these items already, then consider purchasing them as soon as possible.
I Already Own a Computer
If you own a Laptop or iPad Pro that meets or exceeds the requirements below and is less than three years old, it will most likely meet the technology requirement. A small number of computers that are eligible might not meet certain requirements for technology-focused majors, and you may need to upgrade your device during your stay at Peabody.
Recommended Computer Technical Specifications
| Display | 13-inch display or greater |
| Processor | Dual-core Intel Core i5 or greater |
| Memory | 16 GB or greater |
| Storage | 512 GB or greater |
Any of the recommended models below meet the requirements.
Recommended Computing Devices
The hardware items listed below can be purchased directly from the JHU technology store, or the Dell JHU custom store using the provided web links.
| Model | Best for |
 12.9” Apple iPad Pro |
Performance majors with light computing needs. Great for reading and annotating music and use of apps for Office 365 and the JHU learning management system. IMPORTANT: When you place your order, please ignore the “out of stock” status message. Because these are custom builds they will not be in-stock, but will be custom ordered for you once you submit for purchase. Purchase Link – https://store.jhutechstore.com/peabody-11in-ipad-pro-bundle.html |
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Students in technology-based programs, or those with greater computing and composition needs who prefer Macs. IMPORTANT: When you place your order, please ignore the “out of stock” status message. Because these are custom builds they will not be in-stock, but will be custom ordered for you once you submit for purchase. Purchase Link – https://store.jhutechstore.com/search/peabody/ |
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Students in technology-based programs, or those with greater computing and composition needs who prefer PCs. Purchase Link – https://www.dell.com/en-us/member/shop/delluniversity/cp/peabody-configs |
13” or 16” Apple MacBook Pro
Dell Precision or XPS Laptop
Departments with Technology RequirementsDepartments listed below have separate and specific technology requirements. Music for New MediaStudents Enrolled the Music for New Media program are required to purchase the following equipment bundle (or equivalent) – https://store.jhutechstore.com/search/New+Media/ DanceDance majors are required to have the following equipment:
For additional information about requirements, please contact your program directly – dbella1@jhu.edu. |
Peripheral Devices
Along with a computing device, all students will need access to:
- High quality microphone for conferencing and recording. This can be either a USB microphone, audio interface and microphone, or personal recording device with USB connectivity for personal conferencing, instrumental recording, and online lessons.
- USB webcam with stand to allow flexible positioning. This will allow you to provide instructors with the appropriate views of yourself and your instrument in recordings or live online lessons.
- Those enrolled in either Keyboard Skills 1 or 3 should have a piano or at least a 61-key, velocity sensitive Keyboard with a connected sustain pedal.
We also strongly recommend that you own:
- A pair of high quality wired headphones.
If you have questions about required peripherals for your program, please contact your primary studio teacher to discuss what you will need.
Purchasing Peripheral Devices
The B&H EDU Advantage Program is FREE and available to faculty and students who are enrolled in accredited and approved programs. Signing up for the EDU Advantage Program entitles you to special discounts with quick turn around when you order through EDU. Please visit https://www.BandH.com/edu or email edumembership@bhphoto.com for more information.
Peripheral Device Recommendations
The devices below are general recommendations for each technology item required for your academic program.
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Item |
Description |
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USB Microphone or Personal Recording Device for Conferencing, Online Music, and Recording |
As you participate in learning activities at Peabody, a quality microphone that can connect to your computer will be an essential tool. These devices will be used for personal conferencing, instrumental recording, and online lessons. Microphone recommendations are for individual performers, not for room or group use. A list of recommended USB microphones can be found here – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=wishListSupplyDetail.jsp&A=supplylistDetail&Q=&li=1615B7A9FC0 |
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Some students may need a USB to audio interface in order to connect microphones or other devices to their computers. The following devices are recommended:
A list of recommended USB interface devices, microphones, and headphones can be found here – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=listing&A=supplylistDetail&Q=&li=1615BA24C00
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A USB webcam, separate from your laptop’s webcam, can be very useful if you are a dancer or play an instrument that requires specific views for either recording or live lessons over video conference.
A list of recommended webcams can be found here – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=wishListSupplyDetail.jsp&A=supplylistDetail&Q=&li=169AD706671&mode=edu If you also need a webcam stand, please take a look at this article to determine which stand will work best for your instrument and setup – https://filmora.wondershare.com/webcam-recording/best-webcam-tripod-stand.html
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Zoom q2n 4k Personal Recording Device The q2n 4k is a simple personal recording device with high quality stereo microphones. It can be flexibly configured to record individuals or small groups. It can also be used for live streaming and conferencing via its USB connection. |
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All incoming students must have access to a piano or at least a 61-key, velocity sensitive Keyboard with a connected sustain pedal. A list of recommended devices can be found here – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=wishListSupplyDetail.jsp&A=supplylistDetail&Q=&li=1615B7C2660 |
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A quality set of headphones is an important accessory, especially for students participating in online classes and lessons. A list of recommended devices can be found here – https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=wishListSupplyDetail.jsp&A=supplylistDetail&Q=&li=162701C30A6&mode=edu |
USB Computer Audio Interfaces
USB Webcam and Stand
Personal Recording Device
HeadphonesNOTE: Support for peripheral devices are handled by the device’s manufacturer. Peabody IT can assist with basic troubleshooting but will not be able to repair the devices.
JHU Student Software Purchase
Click here to access various discounted software available for students, staff, and faculty purchase.
Network Connectivity Recommendations
You need a minimum of 8Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed for a standard video call. For 4K streaming, or ultra HD, your bandwidth should start at 25Mbps. You can get by on a congested network if you lower your app’s image quality settings, but for a consistently clear streaming experience, aim higher.
NOTE: If you have multiple devices sharing your Internet connection, your actual subscribed Internet speed will be divided among all connected devices.
Measuring your speed
There are several test services out there: you can try www.speedtest.net, www.SpeedOf.me and www.BandwidthPlace.com.
Options for Internet Service in Baltimore City
In Baltimore City, Comcast is one of the only viable options for off-campus internet connectivity. There are currently some deals for students that can be found here – https://www.xfinity.com/student
If you are living in Peabody on-campus housing, you will have both a dedicated wireless access point and an Ethernet network port in your room. Either option will provide a high-speed cabled internet/network connection.