There are 4 courses in the Audio Engineering core curriculum.
A "one-on-one" intensive is offered for those who want to continue
their study. Each course is designed to provide you with vocabulary,
skills and technical knowledge used in recording and mixing music.
The "Introduction to Audio Engineering" course is designed to give you
the technical basics, the "language of audio". The advanced courses
are studio "hands-on" courses that will focus on refining your listening
skills, providing both the technical and artistic aspects of audio engineering.
The recording software Pro Tools (the industry standard), will help you
to relate to ANY of the other computer programs on the market (Logic,
Sonar, Nuendo, Acid, etc.) Also, you'll have a better understanding of
the concepts presented in "stand-alone" digital workstations (Akai, Korg,
Roland. etc).

Upon successful completion of all 4 courses and the one-on-one intensive,
you will have the tools to understand your own home recording system better
or apply for an internship at a recording studio.

After completion of the 4 courses, a Certificate of Completion is given.
The one-on-one Intensive is not required to receive the Certificate.

(Private tutoring and/or help with set-up of home computer recording
equipment is available if the full class is not desired)

"Intro Course": Introduction to Audio Engineering
8 weeks, 16 hours, one session per week, 5:00-7:00PM or 6:00-8:00PM.
Either on Tuesday's or Wednesday's.

Understanding computer recording software and interfaces:
* PC and Mac differences
* Understanding all the software options
* Understanding Hardware Interfaces
* Understanding what "sample rate" and "bit depth" means in relation to digital recording
* Introduction to the basics of Pro Tools recording software

The Five Main Stages of a Recording Project:
Pre-Production: What goes on during the pre-production phase and why it's necessary.
Bed tracks: What rhythm tracks are and why they are the foundation of every project.
Overdubs: Finishing the recording process and understanding the different overdub approaches.
                 Learn about punching in, creating vocal composites and double tracking.
Mixing: How mixing can make or break a project. Making an effective stereo image for your mix.
Mastering: The link between production (the studio) and manufacturing CD's. Why you should never
                 skip this important step.

Theoretical and Practical Application of:

Microphones:
The fundamental styles of microphone placement. Use of microphone types and techniques for various
instruments. The difference between dynamic, ribbon and condenser microphones. The difference
between omni-directional, bi-directional and cardioid microphone patterns. The use of microphone
pre-amps. The use of a direct box for electronic instruments. Acoustic and Electrical phase
cancellation.

Recording/Mixing consoles: The meaning of "signal path" and how a "patch bay" plays an important
role in this. The difference between analog and digital consoles. How computer automation helps
with mixing. A detailed look at all the main sections of a console. Understanding the bus circuit,
auxillary sends, submixing and panning.

Equalizers: Understanding the audio frequency spectrum. Learning about EQ curves, "Q' and bandwidth.
The difference between Graphic equalizers, Shelving equalizers, Parametric equalizers and Fixed
Frequency equalizers.

Compressors:
The basics of "dynamic range" processors including compressors, de-essers, limiters and noise gates..
how they work and why they are useful. Using compression on individual tracks or as a
Stereo Left/Right compressor.

Effects: Demonstration of the uses of Reverb, Echo/Delay, Phasing/Chorusing, Flanging.

Pro Tools Digital Recording, Mixing and Editing:
Demonstrations and an in-depth look at the most popular computer recording program in the
music industry. Pro Tools will help you to relate to ANY of the other computer programs
on the market (Logic, Sonar, Cubase, Nuendo, Acid, etc.) and have a better understanding
of the concepts presented in "stand-alone" digital workstations (Akai, Korg, Roland. etc).

Acoustics:
How internal room acoustics play a role in the sound of a recording.

In most cases, The Intro Course is required before you can take the other courses.
However, to bypass the Intro Course and start the Recording Intensive class,
an oral exam is required.

"Recording Intensive"
6 week course, 18 hours, one session per week, 7:00-10:00PM. Either on Tuesday's
or Wednesday's.

This class is a "hands-on" recording project with a live band. It focuses on the recording process utilizing
a Neve audio console, high quality professional microphones and ProTools. Weeks 1-3 are spent recording
3 "bed tracks" with the band, one bed track per week. Weeks 4-6 are spent recording additional tracks
for the 3 songs.

"Mixing Intensive"
6 week course, 18 hours, one session per week, 7:00-10:00PM. Either on Tuesday's
or Wednesday's.

This class focuses on the mixing process. The 3 songs that were recorded in the Recording Intensive
course will be mixed by the students with instructor supervision. Mixing techniques such as automation,
using effects, compression, EQing are taught in detail.

"Recording/Mixing Practicum"
8-10 weeks, 24 or 30 hours, (depending on the number of students), 7:00-10:00PM. Day of
week depends on how many Courses are running at the same time.

Each student or a small group of students are responsible for the following:
*Finding an appropriate local band to record
*Doing some basic pre-production before coming into the studio
*Setting up and recording the band's bed track
*Setting up and recording all the additional tracks for the band's song
*Mixing the song and making CD copies for the band and yourself

"One-on-One Intensive"
Private weekly lessons for an in-depth look at Pro Tools. Six weeks, 1.5 hours, once a week
according to student and instructor's schedule.