PROGRAM
Course Descriptions
ADVANCED DIGITAL AUDIO
This course provides students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in digital audio workstation theory and technique. Within this course, students will apply their workstation skills to highly specialized concepts and procedures, such as advanced synchronization, surround production, and the data compression and encoding used for the Internet, DVDs, and multi-channel feature films.
ADVANCED MIDI
This course builds on the fundamentals learned in MIDI. Advanced MIDI production techniques such as control surface operation, mixing techniques, and synchronization are covered. Students also survey the effect of MIDI on the modern recording studio environment. Students learn how to interface computers with musical instruments for recording and live performance applications.
ADVANCED RECORDING
This course introduces the theory and operation of large-format audio consoles and digital audio control surfaces. Students will master the audio signal flow of the consoles and control surfaces, as well as the computer automation and recall systems they employ.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
This course is designed to give our students a head start towards getting ‘a foot-in-the-door’ of the industry. The course introduces professional practices for finding and maintaining employment in the entertainment industry. Topics include resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills, networking, industry events, time management, and other aspects of a professional approach to career management.
DIGITAL AUDIO ESSENTIALS
This course explores the digital audio workstation environment through extensive study of digital audio concepts and practices. Students receive detailed instruction and hands-on practical experience with cutting-edge, computer-based recording systems typically found in the modern recording industry.
ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS
In this course students learn the foundations of copyright law, contracts, client relations, artistic collaboration, record label operation and structure, and music production, among others. Students will learn music project pitching, project budgeting, session management, and other skills that a music producer will require to start and complete a recording project.
FILM SOUND
This course provides an in-depth study of the fundamental aspects of creation and recording of soundtracks for feature film, television, and video games. Subjects include field recording, digital audio workstation basics, sound-effects design, Foley recording, dialogue recording and editing, automated dialogue replacement (ADR), music editing, surround sound, and mixing to picture.
INTERMIDIATE FILM SOUND
This course includes advanced postproduction-related digital audio workstation techniques for dialogue recording and automated dialogue replacement (ADR), Foley recording and editing, sound effects design and editing, and file management. Also discussed is SMPTE time code, functions of synchronizers, video sync, word clock, and frame rates.
INTRODUCTION TO RECORDING ARTS
This course is designed to introduce students to the many aspects of the recording arts. It provides the foundations of terminology, history, and the basic fundamentals of recording. This course explores the fundamental concepts of audio theory and practice. Students will learn recording console signal flow, multi-track recorder operation, microphone technology, and professional audio techniques as the basic building blocks of their audio education.
MASTERING
This course introduces the technical art of mastering, which involves setup and fine-tuning of the finished product before final duplication. The class focuses on ear training, audio clean up / restoration, level matching / dynamics, multi-band processes, and final album assembly. Students learn the process of taking a collection of mixed songs and compiling them into one finished album complete with compact disc authoring and error checking.
MIDI
This course teaches the electronic marriage of music and computer technology that revolutionized music composition, recording, and arrangement. Students are introduced to the history of the MIDI concept, its principles and theory, MIDI production techniques, MIDI control, troubleshooting, and the design of MIDI systems. Fundamentals of music theory are also included in this course.
MUSIC PRODUCTION
This course provides extensive experience in the theory, philosophy, and practice of contemporary music production in a world-class studio facility. Students utilize cutting-edge audio recording technology for advanced studies in order to gain expertise in the art and science of music production. Also covered are live venue recording and sound reinforcement techniques.
SOUND FOUNDATIONS
This course covers the fundamental physics of sound and audio signal. In this course, students study the world of outboard signal processors such as noise gates, compressors, reverbs, delays, flangers, spatial effects, and more. Discussions on patch bays, wiring techniques, equipment parameters and controls prepare students for connection and operation of studio outboard equipment.
SYSTEM SUPPORT
This course provides an understanding of the proper utilization and maintenance of the advanced audio hardware and software found in modern studios. It begins with fundamental electronics and teaches the use of audio test equipment. Students also explore the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer-based digital audio workstation software and components. Emphasis is placed on the application of lecture information through individual lab projects and classroom demonstrations. Students are challenged to solve a variety of real world technical problems that often arise in the audio industry.
