An introduction to fundamental audio concepts including the physics of sound (acoustics), multi-track recording technology and its evolution. An overview of equipment operation within the recording studio including basic signal flow, recording consoles, patchbays, and Digital Audio Tape (DAT) decks. 3 semester hours, 3 credits.
A continuation of the study of recording studio engineering. More detailed concepts are examined, such as harmonic content, mixing, synchronization, and digital audio conversion. Students use traditional recording studio equipment including equalizers, digital audio tape decks and multitracks and are introduced to Digidesign's Pro Tools digital audio workstation. Projects are completed using digital 8-track workstations and in the Pro Tools Lab. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MTEC-101 or the equivalent background is required for registration in this course. This requirement may be waived upon approval by the Program Director. 3 semester hours, 3 credits.
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and applications of MIDI in music production. Through lecture and demonstration, students learn the basics of equipment interfacing, and develop skills with sequencing software. During weekly lab time, students complete assigned sequencing exercises and produce musical projects using a MIDI workstation.
A continuation of MTEC-110, this class familiarizes students with more complex aspects and creative uses of the MIDI production studio. Through lecture and demonstration, students will learn basic elements of synthesis and begin to create original timbres on the synthesizer. Sequence editing, mixing, and synchronization will be demonstrated and used to create musical projects. During required weekly lab time, students complete assigned exercises and produce musical projects incorporating techniques shown in class.
MTEC-310 is a practice-based course in which students further develop their proficiency in Emagic's Logic Audio Platinum and explore new sequencing techniques using Propellorhead's Reason 2.5. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MTEC-210, Introduction to MIDI II, or its equivalent is required. These requirements may be waived with approval by the department chair. 3 semester hours, 3 credits.
Students study the theory and practice of sound synthesis. Topics include MIDI Orchestration, major methods of synthesis, including additive, subtractive and modulation techniques, and the signal flow and capabilities of synthesis modules (oscillator, filter, amplifier, envelope generator, etc.). Students complete individual projects in the MIDI/synthesizer Lab, culminating in an end-of-semester concert recital. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MTEC-210 or the equivalent background is required for registration in this course. This requirement may be waived upon approval by the Program Director. 3 semester hours, 3 credits.
MTEC-330 is intended as a "capstone" seminar, in which students bring together a wide variety of skills developed in other Music Technology courses. Project work in the course will require proficiency in Digidesign Pro Tools, Emagic Logic Audio Platinum, and recording techniques developed in the Studio Workshop courses. In particular, the course will use these tools to develop new skills in remixing, mastering and music production. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MTEC-302 and MTEC-320 or their equivalents is required. These requirements may be waived with approval by the department chair. 3 semester hours, 3 credits.
Every album has a producer--so what exactly do producers DO when a record is made? This course covers the history of music production from the mid 1950's to the present and examines the creative application of music technology from 1955 to the present, with particular emphasis on production techniques used to produce specific styles of music. Landmark recordings, as well as influential artists and producers, are discussed and analyzed. There will be a lot of work in this course. Because the work will involve listening to and analyzing great music, you should find this work relevant and quite enjoyable. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MUSI-103, Theory & Musicianship I, and ENGL-111, Written English & Literary Studies I, is required. These requirements may be waived upon approval by the Program Director. 3 semester hours, 3 credits.
Students complete advanced work in a specific area of their interest, under the guidance of a faculty mentor.