Music Technology Recording Arts

The Music Technology Recording Arts Certificate program is designed to introduce students to foundational skills, tools and techniques used in digital sound production and recording. Topics include digital recording, editing & mastering techniques, software/hardware integration using Pro Tools and related plug-ins.  Recording techniques will include microphone techniques, audio mixing console operations, basic principles of acoustics, audio signal processing and MIDI synthesis and music post-production. Students are prepared for a variety of entry level positions that include: 

·     Audio Visual Technician

·     Audio Post-Production Engineer

·     Independent Music Producer

·     Live Sound Mixing Engineer

·     Game Audio Producer

·     Sound Technician for Theater

·     Audio for Television/Radio

·     Video Technician

·     Podcast Producer

·     Beat Maker/DJ

·     Sound Designer

·     Digital Audio Editor

·     Video Editor

·     Film/Documentary Producer

·     Director of Event Technology

20-30 students are projected each year.  This is a new certificate program so no historical data is available.  Labor Market information shows a need for this program in the south bay region.

Students completing the Music Technology Recording Arts Certificate of Achievement will:

1. Demonstrate critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving skills by applying them to digital audio production, studio recording and live sound environments.
2. Demonstrate music computer literacy by completing production assignments utilizing software-based audio and MIDI systems.
3. Apply the technical, creative and interpersonal skills required in audio production environments by demonstrating current knowledge of digital audio workstations and related audio hardware.

18 Units of course work:

Music 40A: Introduction toDigital Audio Production

Course Description

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of music production within the Pro Tools Audio Software platform widely used throughout audio recording industries.  Through hands-on activities, students will develop their skills in proper recording, editing, mixing techniques and basic navigational tools used within the Pro Tools software. 

Music 40B: Digital AudioProduction II

Course Description

Students develop a more advanced understanding of music production within the Pro Tools Audio Software platform. Students explore best practices used in final music production including mixing and mastering techniques for various instruments or voice, application of effects, equalization and surround mixing.  Emphasis is also placed on various music genres and achieving specific aesthetic goals within a final mix.

Music 41A: Studio RecordingTechniques I

Course Description

Studio Recording Techniques I introduces students to fundamental skills used in recording live instruments and vocals in a state of the art digital recording studio.  Students learn techniques for recording a variety of instruments and vocals used in various genres of music.  Topics covered include; signal flow,microphone selection and placement, acoustics, use of outboard and software-based effects processors, overdubbing, creating composite audio tracks, and mixing.  Students are expected to spend time in the studio and/or music technology lab working on assigned projects.

Music 41B:  Studio Recording Techniques II

Course Description

Studio Recording Techniques II students develop more advanced skills used in recording live instruments and vocals in a state of the art digital recording studio. Students learn techniques for recording a variety of instruments and vocals used in various genres of music. Emphasis is placed on software-based effects processors, overdubbing, creating composite audio tracks, plug-ins and effective mixing and mastering techniques. Students are expected to spend additional time in the studio and/or music technology lab working on assigned projects.

Music 43:  Introduction to MIDI and Electronic Music Production

Course Description

This course introduces students to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and how it is used in Music production. Using the Ableton Live software students will develop skills in creating electronic music that synthesizes both audio and midi files.  Emphasis will be placed on learning fundamental skills needed for electronic music composition and production.

Music 99: Introductory Music

Course Description

Students study the "language" of music - how to read, notate, interpret, perform, and create with those symbols which represent the four properties of sound: pitch, duration, amplitude, and timbre. This includes the study of the fundamentals of Western notated music and how these elements combine to create musical compositions: pitch identification, rhythm and meter, scales, key signatures, intervals, chord construction, harmonic progression and texture. Students will analyze musical styles relevant to various cultures and historical periods.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Music 40A	Introduction to Digital Audio Production	3	S1
Music 40B	Digital Audio Production II	3	S2
Music 41A	Studio Recording Techniques I	3	S1
Music 41B	Studio Recording Techniques II	3	S2
Music 43	Introduction to MIDI and Electronic Music Production	3	Y1

Music 99                Introductory                          3                                   Y1

                                Music

This is a new program for the San Jose/South bay area.

Foothill College (Los Altos Hills) has a Music Technology Program. After speaking with Professor Mark Anderson, it was agreed that San Jose City College students would benefit from this program and that it would not have a significant impact on the Foothill program.