PROGRAM
Course Descriptions
AUDIO ONE
This introductory phase of our program focuses on the foundations of core audio essentials. Concepts such as signal flow, recording & mixing consoles, signal processors, and other audio basics are discussed and demonstrated on easy-to-understand equipment. Students also learn about the particulars of commercial recording studios such as common job positions and their responsibilities, studio etiquette, client relations and other essentials involved with beginning a career of working with sound.
AUDIO TWO
During this intermediate recording course, students delve deeper into the nuances of recording, having already experienced some basic session work. This portion of our program introduces a few of the more technical aspects of recording such as tape machine calibration, basic electronics, amplifier and speaker function, design and use. Intermediate lectures and labs in Pro Tools are included.
LIVE SOUND
Live sound reinforcement is an entire industry in itself. Here, students discuss various subjects related to concert sound & touring such as front-of-house mixing, monitor mixing, rigging, tour support, back lines, room tuning, line arrays and other topics involved when dealing with small club venues all the way up to the most extravagant world tours.
CONSOLES ONE
Students are introduced to digital consoles and the features / differences involved with the digital world. This course expands on studio techniques & procedures involved with using medium-format digital mixers. Concepts such as console automation, digital patch bays, fader groups, machine control, multi-track recording processes, acoustics, studio design / construction, ear training and basic music theory are among the topics of focus. Students learn to identify the characteristics of different types of microphones and explore various miking techniques for a wide variety of microphones, musical instruments, and applications.
CONSOLES TWO
This advanced series of console-related lectures & labs brings students into the professional world of extravagant large-format recording / mixing consoles using some of the most celebrated systems in the world. Students are introduced to Solid State Logic and Neve mixing consoles from two decades; the venerable SSL 4000G series which put the polish on most of the world's hits during the 80's and early 90's, the SSL XL 9000K 'superanalogue' console, and the Neve VR console series. Also covered are advanced production techniques and the producer’s role in the recording industry.
ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS
These lectures are designed to give our students a head start towards getting a 'foot-in-the-door' of the industry while preparing to start their internship. The classes in this series cover a wide range of essentials such as interview skills, studio etiquette, networking, resumes, copyright law, contracts, client relations, artistic collaboration and music production among others. Students exit this course well armed for a great start to their entertainment business careers.
ADVANCED AUDIO WORKSTATIONS
The Advanced Audio Workstations module takes our students further down the road towards mastering computer based workstations. This course contains classes regarding the finer points of digital audio as well as lab & lecture classes dealing with the art of mastering all help to further prepare our students for careers in the computer age of digital audio.
AUDIO POST
The world of sound-for-picture and audio post-production are the primary focus of this module. Our graduates have achieved successful careers in feature film, television, broadcast and video game audio with the training our working Hollywood professionals impart. This series of lectures and labs cover the gamut from production sound on the set all the way through editing to the final mix in surround sound.
