Audio Arts

The Audio Arts in the Entertainment and Media Industries course examines the various and interrelated sectors of the industry, enabling students to develop a view of it from the perspective of a professional. Students will explore terms common across the audio arts industries as a means of studying the discipline from a wide-angle view. In addition, students will examine current industry trends and the variety of careers available in the audio arts, with an eye toward developing the requisite skills for their discipline of study.

The Recording Principles course introduces students to the theory and operation of essential audio tools ranging from microphones to mixers. Primary topics include audio basics, signal flow, basic microphone techniques, gain staging, audio processors, and basic file and session management.

The Principles of Music course explores harmony, melody, rhythm, and form with an introduction to the musical keyboard and ear training. Relevant musical structures will be examined and discussed in the context of popular music using common industry terms.

The Sequencing Technology course explores the use of MIDI-based hardware and software in music production, live performance, and studio control. Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is the electronic marriage of music and computer technology that revolutionized music composition, recording, performance, and arrangement. Students will be introduced to the history, principles, and varied uses of MIDI, as well as sequencing techniques, synchronization, troubleshooting, and MIDI system design. Students will survey the effect of MIDI on the modern recording-studio environment and examine live MIDI applications.

The Audio Workstations course explores the digital audio workstation environment through an overview of digital audio concepts and practices. Students will receive instruction and practical experience with powerful computer-based recording systems typically found in the modern recording and show production industry.

In Project I: Audio Arts, students will apply their knowledge of audio recording, MIDI sequencing, digital audio workstations, and musical concepts to construct cohesive musical content. Through this course, students will demonstrate the ability to integrate and expand on learned skills in the creative process.

In Portfolio I: Audio Arts, students will revise and refine the work they completed in Project I to create portfolio-ready examples of their musical content. They will create a portfolio to showcase their assets as well as reflect on the creative process and its results.