Audio Engineering and Sound Production : Jacobs School of Music Bulletin

Courses

MUS A100 Foundations of Audio Technology (3 cr.) Theoretical and practical foundation in the basics of audio technologies and signal flow for live sound reinforcement, studio and location audio recording, sound for visual media, and other contemporary production paradigms. Designed to meet the needs of modern performers, composers, educators, and content producers of audio and visual media.

MUS A101 Introduction to Audio Technology (3 cr.) P: For Audio Engineering and Sound Production majors only. Introduction to the technology and techniques employed in audio recording, editing, and mixing; sound production for visual media, and live sound reinforcement.

MUS A102 Audio Techniques I (3 cr.) P: A101 Introduction to Audio Technology. Introduction to studio equipment and recording procedures including microphone use, basic studio techniques, editing concepts, and recording and signal processing equipment.

MUS A111 Electronics I (3 cr.) Fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism, with review of necessary algebra.

MUS A112 Electronics II (3 cr.) P: A111 Electronics I with a grade of C or higher. AC theory and introduction to circuit elements and active devices.

MUS A150 Introductory Seminar in Audio Engineering (1 cr.) P: For Audio Engineering and Sound Production majors only. An introduction to critical listening for recording engineers and producers with an emphasis on technical evaluation and aesthetic principles within the context of musical style.

MUS A201 Audio Techniques II (3 cr.) P: A102 Audio Techniques I. Intermediate studio and recording procedures including signal processing, digital audio theory, and basic digital audio workstation techniques.

MUS A202 Audio Techniques III (3 cr.) P: A201 Audio Techniques II. Advanced digital audio theory including media production, audio for Internet, and advanced digital audio workstation techniques.

MUS A211 Electronics III (3 cr.) P: A112 Electronics II with a grade of C or higher. System design and operation applied to audio, both analog and digital.

MUS A212 Electronics IV (3 cr.) P: A211 Electronics III with a grade of C or higher. Instruction in basic maintenance of audio equipment and studio maintenance. Practical experience is emphasized.

MUS A270 Multitrack Studio Techniques I (3 cr.) P: A201 Audio Techniques II. Introduction to multitrack recording studio procedures with an emphasis on mixing console operation, signal flow, microphone selection and use, and recording session planning and etiquette.

MUS A320 Sound Reinforcement Techniques (3 cr.) P: A202 Audio Techniques III. An introduction to sound reinforcement system design and operation.

MUS A321 Sound for Visual Media (3 cr.) P: A202 Audio Techniques III. Study of audio production techniques for radio, video, film, and multimedia. Emphasis on mixing criteria for broadcast and visual productions.

MUS A325 Digital Audio Workstation Seminar (3 cr.) P: A202 Audio Techniques III. Advanced digital audio workstation techniques.

MUS A330 Modern Recording Studio Techniques (3 cr.) P: A100 Foundations of Audio Technology with a grade of C or higher. Hybrid course designed to give practical hands-on experience recording, mixing, and mastering music. Oriented towards students studying music or media who need to be proficient in audio production. Coursework includes online reading, videos, and guided production exercises, along with a weekly instructor-led lab and student-produced final recording and mixing project.

MUS A340 Topics in Audio Engineering (3 cr.) Variable topics. May be repeated for credit for different topics with permission of instructor.

MUS A350 Seminar in Audio Engineering (1 cr.) P: A150 Introductory Seminar in Audio Engineering. Critical listening and discussion of recording techniques, concepts, and aesthetics.

MUS A360 Classical Music Recording and Production (3 cr.) P: A202 Audio Techniques III. Study and practice of classical music recording and production, with an emphasis on recording session planning and direction, microphone technique, and editing.

MUS A370 Multitrack Studio Techniques II (3 cr.) P: A270 Multitrack Studio Techniques I. Supervised practical experience in multitrack studio procedures with an emphasis on contemporary microphone and recording techniques. Small group and individual project work, as well as group listening and discussion.

MUS A410 Individual Music Production Projects (3 cr.) P: A100 Foundations of Audio Technology or A101 Introduction to Audio Technology; K340 Songwriting for Music Production with a grade of B or higher; and K361 or Z361 Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music. Students will take a song from demo form to a fully realized "ready for release" audio recording. Projects will conform to music industry standards for use in a portfolio to promote the student's creative work. Preparatory assignments throughout each project will be used to guide students through the creation process.

MUS A420 Advanced Sound Reinforcement (3 cr.) P: A320 Sound Reinforcement Techniques. Study of advanced sound reinforcement, system design, and practical experience in sound reinforcement.

MUS A440 Individual Project in Audio Engineering (1-3 cr.) P: Senior standing. Supervised individual project or research.

MUS A460 Surround Sound and Immersive Audio (3 cr.) P: A202 Audio Techniques III. P or C: A470 Individual Multitrack Studio Projects I. Study and practice of contemporary surround sound and immersive audio recording and mixing techniques.

MUS A461 Final Project in Audio Engineering (1 cr.) P: Senior standing. Preparation of professional dossier featuring the student’s best work (concurrent with last semester of on-campus coursework). Student will make a public presentation of the dossier to the Audio Engineering and Sound Production faculty and student body.

MUS A470 Individual Multitrack Studio Projects I (3 cr.) P: A370 Multitrack Studio Techniques II. Supervised practical experience in contemporary multitrack recording and mixing. Includes individual project work as well as group listening and discussion.

MUS A471 Individual Multitrack Studio Projects II (3 cr.) P: Grade of B+ or higher in A470 Individual Multitrack Studio Projects I. A grade of A in A471 is required to take A471 a second time. Individual projects in multitrack recording.

MUS A480 Internship in Audio (3 cr.) P: Senior standing. Supervised experience in a working environment directly related to audio technology. Assessed by reports from the student and on-site supervisor.