Listed below are the 4 courses currently included in the curriculum plus a description of the one-on-one intensive. Each level is designed to provide you with the vocabulary, skills and technical knowledge used in recording and mixing music. Level One is designed to give you the basics, the "language of audio". The advanced courses will assist you with refining your own listening skills to make more informed artistic audio choices. Upon successful completion of Level Four 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.

Learning 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).

Level One: Introduction to Studio Recording and Mixing
8 weeks, 16 hours, one session per week, 5:00-7:00PM. Either on Tuesday's or Wednesday's.

Understanding the differences in computer recording systems:
* PC and Mac differences
* Understanding all the software options
* Understanding Hardware Interfaces
* Advantages/disadvantages between computer recording software and "stand-alone" digital workstations
* Understanding what "sample rate" and "bit depth" means in relation to digital recording

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. Thedifference 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: Throughout the Level One class, there will be demonstrations and an in-depth look at the most popular computer music recording program in the recording industry. Learning Pro Tools, will help you to relate to ANY of the other computer programs on the market (Logic, Sonar, Cubase, Nuendo, Acid, etc.) Also, you'll have a better understanding of the concepts presented in "stand-alone" digital workstations (Akai, Korg, Roland. etc). During the last week, the class will do some hands-on mixing and/or recording.

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

Level Two and Three:
6 weeks, 18 hours, one session per week, 7:30-10:30PM. Either on Tuesday's or Wednesday's.

Level Two: Intermediate Recording and Mixing: Hands-on recording project with live musicians. This class focuses on getting students very familiar with the recording process utilizing a Neve console, high quality professional microphones and ProTools. Level Two focuses more time on the recording process than Level Three.

Level Three: Advanced Recording and Mixing: Hands-on recording project with live musicians. This class focuses more on mixing than Level Two. The class is divided into 3 segments. Segment 1: recording sessions. Segment 2: hands-on student mixing time with minimal instructor supervision. Segment 3: mixing with instructor supervision.

Level Four:
10 weeks, 30 hours, 7:30-10:30PM. Day of week depends on how many Levels are running at the same time.
Advanced II: Each student is repsonsible for completing one song....set-up, basic tracks, overdubs and mixing. Level Four is usually not available for the summer session.

One-on-One Intensive:
Private weekly lessons for an in-depth look at Pro Tools 7.4. Five weeks, 1.5 hours, once a week according to student and instructor's schedule.

In most cases, Level One is required before you can take Level Two, Three or Four. To bypass Level One and start at Level Two, an oral exam is required.