In this article, the author attempts a detailed definition of the term ‘computer music'. He analyses the notion of computer music through the three aspects of music synthesis that it comprises: 1 - score synthesis, 2 - sound synthesis, and 3 - knowledge synthesis. The three aspects are discussed in a conceptual (non-technical) way highlighting the linkages that exist between them. The author offers the term ‘musical engineering' as a reference to musical synthesis in its entirety, and suggests that there is a need for the designing of a comprehensive curriculum for ‘musical engineering'.