Audio Production

Pre/co-Requisite MA 570

Offered occasionally 1 credit

An overview of Pro Tools – the standard software used for audio engineering.  Topics covered: software functionality and aesthetics – from audio mixing for music, to sound for visual media.  Open to undergraduates and graduates.

Pre/co-requisites: MA 500 or MA 501 or MA 800

Offered occasionally 1 credit

Audio recording is an often overlooked or misunderstood component of video and film production, yet it is one of the most critical factors in the success of the final project. In this course, students will learn industry standard techniques and the use of professional sound equipment such as mixers, wireless mics and digital audio recorders in order to maximize their chances of recording optimal sound in field and location conditions.

 

Graduate Pre-Requisite: MA 570

Undergraduate Pre-Requisite:  MA 101

Offered occasionally, 1 credit

This intensive workshop teaches Stem software that offers time-saving, audio mixing skills and techniques used by acclaimed sound mixing engineers the world over.  Topics include: multi-track Stem session mixing; practical processing techniques for sampled drums, natural drums, guitars, bass & vocals; low-end mix control; master bus processing.  Students also gain insights into the real-world workflow of a mixing engineer and tips to help make sound mixing productive and efficient.

Pre/co-requisites: MA 500 or MA 501 or MA 800

Offered occasionally, 3 credits

This course is geared toward producers with an emphasis on a no-nonsense and demystifying presentation of the three elements of music – rhythm, melody and harmony.  We will review and analyze a variety of musical examples – written and recorded – to demonstrate these concepts with a focus on contemporary western music (everything from the Beatles and Stevie Wonder to Wilco, Radio Head and Katy Perry).  The second half of the course is a practical application of the tools.  You will learn how to transcribe rhythms, hear chord progressions in addition to learning basic arranging and composing.  The goal of the class is to enable you to break down a song competently and have a fuller appreciation of what producer/arranger/composer/songwriters do – skills you will undoubtedly need in a production career. 

Pre/co-requisites: MA 500 or MA 501 or MA 800

Offered every Fall, 3 credits

This course introduces students to audio production technologies for music and sound design. Topics include microphones, mixers, multitrack DAT recorders, MIDI samplers, computer-based sequencing, hard disk recording, digital mixing and processing (Digital Performer and Pro tools). Also examined are output and production considerations for CD, CD-ROM, DVD video, digital video, film 5-1 surround, Internet and motion graphics.

Pre/co-requisite: MA 570

Offered annually 3 credits

This introductory course in sound for film, television and multi-media covers audio post-production for video, film and other multimedia formats with a focus on sound design, SFX editing, Foley, and ADR (dialog replacement). This class will provide an emphasis on sound and its effects on the dramatic impact and overall tone of visual imagery.

Pre/co-requisites: MA 570

Offered on occasion, 3 credits

This course explores the technology of sound recording for media productions. Knowing how to record sound on location is an essential part of creating professional quality soundtracks for your film and video projects. Focus is placed on audio acquisition, microphones, digital recorders, signal levels and noise reduction. This course is recommended for audio students, film and video students, and anyone looking to increase their knowledge of working with production audio for film and video.

MA 573 Music for Visual Media

Pre/co-requisites: MA 570

Offered on occasion, 3 credits

This course focuses on music for visual media including film, television, gaming and multimedia.  Topics include the psychology of music, music and emotions, music composition and the roles music plays in video, film, or other multimedia formats.  The class emphasizes storytelling through sound as well as how sound can affect the dramatic impact and overall tone of images, helping to create a total artwork.  Students learn a variety of approaches to music placement of media through a hands-on approach.

Pre/co-requisites: MA 570

Offered on occasion, 3 credits

This course focuses on music for visual media including film, television, gaming and multimedia in a week one intensive production approach.

Pre/co-requisite: MA 500 or MA 501 or MA 800

Offered annually, 3 credits

An exploration of all aspects involved in digital sound production including from musical conception to arrangement to booking studio talent to the recording session and finally to the edit and final product. Emphasis is discussing financial and aesthetic aspects of the process that are of use to the sound engineer, the musician, studio manager and recording industry personnel.

 

Pre/co-requisite: MA 500 or MA 501 or MA 800

Offered on occasion, 3 credits

Marketing is an essential part of being successful in the music industry.  This course explores topics related to current marketing techniques including identifying and connecting with a target audience, effective approaches to promotion and publicity and branding within a focused niche.  Creative strategies for successful marketing are explored, including online and non-traditional approaches. Students who are interested in promoting their own music projects will benefit from this course as well as students who are interested in expanding their knowledge of marketing in the entertainment industry as a whole.

Pre/co-requisites: MA 570

Offered annually, 3 credits

This is an introductory graduate level audio course that focuses on creating, producing, recording and mixing original music and sound.  The course explores various ways of creating and manipulating sounds using industry standard technology. Topics include MIDI, audio signal flow, digital synthesis, recording, effects processing and professional mixing techniques. Apple’s Logic Audio, Avid’s ProTools and Propellerhead’s Reason will be used as platforms for learning audio technology throughout this course. Hands-on experience through assigned projects will be a large portion of the course work and will take place during individual studio time.  

Prerequisites: MA 570

Offered annually,  3 credits

An intermediate-level workshop that focuses on synthesizer fundamentals, multitrack MIDI sequencers, multitrack hard disk recording, digital audio editing, SMPTE lock sound for video and film, sound and music for CD-ROMs, and Digital Performer as a multitrack nonlinear audio editing and mixing environment.

 

Prerequisites: MA 670

Offered annually, 3 credits

This advanced workshop focuses on MIDI sequencers and hard disk recording and editing including current versions of Digital Performer and Pro tools software are explored. Other topics include production values and sound design concepts in media, original sound creation for MIDI instruments, and outboard effects. Final projects include sound design or music (or both) for picture (computer animation, film or video), Internet (Web site), CD-ROM, DVD or CD audio.

Prerequisites: MA 671

Offered on occasion, 3 credits

An advanced workshop that focuses on the completion of sophisticated individual projects in digital sound design or digital audio composition and production. Emerging tools, formats and styles are explored.

Prerequisite: MA 571

Offered on occasion, 3 credits

This class is a continuation of MA 571. Topics include advanced audio post-production for video, film, video games or other multimedia formats with a focus on sound design, SFX editing, Foley, and ADR (dialog replacement). Emphasis is placed on mastering current industry techniques in sound design as well as developing advanced editing and mixing skills in ProTools and SoundTrack Pro software. Through hands on experience, the course will also focus on creative approaches to soundtrack development.   This course is beneficial for audio students who want to improve their sound design skills as well as videographers, filmmakers, and multi-media artists who want to continue improving the quality of their soundtracks.

Prerequisites: MA 670

Offered annually, 3 credits

This advanced workshop focuses on MIDI sequencers and hard disk recording and editing including current versions of Digital Performer and Pro tools software are explored. Other topics include production values and sound design concepts in media, original sound creation for MIDI instruments, and outboard effects. Final projects include sound design or music (or both) for picture (computer animation, film or video), Internet (Web site), CD-ROM, DVD or CD audio.