Kirkwood Music Technology

The Audio Engineering curriculum is designed to assist students in preparation for a career in music studio production and related occupations. Students acquire knowledge in MIDI music production, sequencing, synthesis and sampling. There is also an emphasis in the study of digital and analog audio technology, music theory, arranging, composing, performance, audio recording, internet and multimedia applications. Career opportunities in the industry include entry-level positions in CD and DVD audio production, radio and television broadcast production, audio for video post-production and sound design, advertising and audio recording studios as well as educational institutions, churches, and other environments where MIDI/audio technology is used.

The recording studio (Cedar Hall) contains a Behringer Eurodesk MX 9000 (48/24 channel dual input) mixing console, microphones, synthesizers, and Mac/PC computers with Pro Tools, Sonar, and SAW studio software. Recordings of solo and concert performances occur in Cedar Hall rooms (375 and 384), and Ballantyne Auditorium.

The sound/recording equipment (Ballantyne Auditorium) contains an Allen & Heath GL2800 (32) channel mixer, Roland S4000H monitor head & snake system, an array of mics, intercom system, (Crown & Crest) amplifiers, (JBL & Tannoy) speakers, and a rack mount computer system.

The computer music lab (Neilson Hall - Room 128) currently consists of thirteen workstations equipped with Yamaha and Roland synthesizers, Windows and Macintosh computers, and various software including Pro Tools, Sonar (64-bit audio engine), SAW Studio, and Finale notation.

AUDIO ENGINEERING CURRICULUM (24 credits)

SEMESTER I (Fall)
INTRO TO MIDI                                                  3
AUDIO PRODUCTION I                                       3
MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS                                   3
APPLIED PIANO                                                1
TOPICS IN THE MODERN MUSIC INDUSTRY      2
                                                             TOTAL 12

SEMESTER II (Spring)
ADVANCED MIDI                                                3
AUDIO PRODUCTION II                                       3
SOUND REINFORCEMENT                                 3
MUSIC APPRECIATION                                      3
                                                            TOTAL 12

*Independent Study course is also available (i.e. portfolio development; internships; etc)

COURSE CATALOG

MUS-268 Audio Production I                 3 credits 

Studies the history, theory and techniques of audio production. Students learn about the fundamentals of sound; what it is, how it is created and how we perceive it. Additionally students will learn the fundamentals of how to capture, edit, mix and master audio using a variety of analog and digital equipment as well as computer software such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Sonar and SAW.

MUS-269 Audio Production II                 3 credits

Continues the study of the history and theory of audio production. Students expand upon their knowledge of the fundamentals of sound and work with diverse musical ensembles and events. Students will study and apply more advanced recording, mixing and mastering techniques in a variety of hands on, real world situations. Prerequisite: MUS-268

MUS-261 Intro to MIDI                             3 credits
Presents an overview of and practical experience with a number of commercially available music-related hardware and software products. A basic understanding of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) along with digital audio and its application to composition, orchestration, recording, performance and education is acquired. Additional topics include drum programming, plugins, loops, soft synths, instrument patch maps, MIDI/Audio editing and file conversion. The primary emphasis of study incorporates sequencing software and synthesizers to produce music projects. Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic music fundamentals.

MUS-263 Advanced MIDI                      3 credits

Emphasizesadvanced Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) topics and explores,

in detail, MIDI and digital audio components. Includes sample libraries, groove clips, soft synths, MIDI/audio/video synchronization, electronic keyboards and signal processors. Students create original compositions and music projects of increasing complexity with Sonar sequencing and Finale notation programs. Prerequisite: MUS-261 or permission of instructor

MUS-286 Sound Reinforcement         3 credits

Continues the study of the history and theory of audio production, as it relates specifically to live sound engineering. Students will apply their knowledge of live sound engineering while working with diverse musical ensembles and events, in a variety of hands on, real world situations.

MUS-102 Music Fundamentals            3 credits 

Introduces music majors and non-majors to the principal elements of music theory including notation, melody, choral harmony and musical form. Intended for students with strong interest but limited background in music theory.

MUA-310 Applied Piano                      1 credit

Course work in Applied Music requires 14 lessons during the semester. Students may enroll in one or two credit hours on the same instrument.  May be repeated for credit. One half-hour lesson per week for one credit; one hour per week for two credits.

MUS-100 Music Appreciation              3 credits

Includes study of elements and forms of music with attention to major historical periods and composers of historical significance and survey of indigenous music.

*MUS-928 Independent Study             1-2 credits

Allows the student to pursue a special concentration of music study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires an independent study contract. Requires approval of faculty member and dean.

Topics in the Modern Music Industry 2 credits

Students will study and discuss diverse issues such as copyright, publishing, hearing loss, MP3/iPOD/internet music culture, the Volume War, the analog vs. digital debate, the importance of sound quality in audio productions, the future of music/audio production and more, as they relate to the average listener/consumer, musicians, and audio professionals alike.

MUS-191 Jazz Improvisation              2 credits
Studies theoretical principles and techniques used in the jazz idiom.
Provides opportunity for application of jazz theory at the performance level.
Includes scales, chord progressions, melodic patterns, rhythmic elements and jazz standard repertoire.