MUSC 230

I. Course Title: Advanced Pro Tools and Music Production

II. Course Number: MUSC 230

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: MUSC 129

V. Course Description: 

An advanced study of concepts and production techniques used with Pro Tools recording software; topics include industry-standard session organization, understanding and using effects processors and plug-ins, mixing with automation, advanced midi and sound editing, modern music reproduction, creating professional mixes, and mastering techniques.

Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

An advanced study of music creation and recording. This course offers students an opportunity to obtain advanced skills to function more efficiently and professionally within the Pro Tools software environment (as well as other digital recording software environments) and to learn and apply music production techniques and philosophies, establishing a stronger foundation and enabling them to work on advanced music creation and production projects.

1. Advanced Session Preparation 

•         a. Creating Session-Specific Templates
•         b. Hardware/Software Settings 
•         c. Creating Sessions that Meet Standardized Guidelines 
•         d. Troubleshooting

2. Advanced Recording and Editing Techniques 

•         a. Creating Session Templates
•         b. Choosing Appropriate Session Settings 
•         c. Importing and Exporting MIDI and Audio
•         d. Tuning Vocals and Instruments

3. History of Recording

•         a. Early Recording Devises
•         b. Important Inventors and Developers
•         c. The Four Recording Eras
•         d. Technological Developments

4. Using Effects and Effects Plug-ins

•         a. Spectral Processors
•         b. Time Processors
•         c. Amplitude Processors
•         d. Noise Processors

5. Production Philosophy and Techniques

•         a. Advanced Critical Listening
•         b. Three Dimensions of the Sound Field
•         c. Painting a Picture in Sound
•         d. Starting with the End in Mind

6. Mixing and Mastering

•         a. Using Effects Processors - Micro/Macro
•         b. Loud vs. Dynamic
•         c. Mixing as You Go
•         d. Creating a Unified Song Group

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

The student will learn advanced music production philosophies and techniques, enabling them to use recording software as a means of music creation and expression. The student will obtain the skills needed to function at an advanced level within the Pro Tools environment, expanding their foundation and enabling them to work on advanced projects and music productions in Pro Tools (as well as other digital music recording platforms) .

Learning Outcomes

1. The student will demonstrate an advanced understanding of Pro Tools digital recording software as well as acoustic principles and recording concepts and history. (Course Content: 1. Session Preparation, 3. History of Recording, 4. Effects and Effects Plug-ins, 5. Production Philosophies and Techniques)
2. The student will create several music recordings using Pro Tools digital recording software, applying appropriate recording concepts and music production principles. (Course Content: 2. Recording and Editing, 5. Production Philosophies and Techniques, 6. Mixing and Mastering)

• Learning Outcome 1 will be fulfilled with Course Learning Content 1, 3, 4, 5
• Learning Outcome 2 will be fulfilled with Course Learning Content 2, 5, and 6

VIII. Assessment Measures:

• Students will be assessed via their regular attendance, class participation, weekly assignments, exams, and writing exercises and projects.
• Students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of course concepts through exams and completion of class projects.

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021