COURSE SYLLABUS

 

I. COURSE TITLE: COM 228 MUSIC RECORDING WORKSHOP

II. CREDIT HOURS: 6

III: COURSE DESCRIPTION: Music Recording Workshop consists of 6 credit hours of intensive work in a fully functional studio setting. This atmosphere will afford the student the opportunity to put their newly formed skills to the test by working with musicians in an actual recording session. A final presentation, based on a semester project will be required to demonstrate the student’s development and expertise.

IV: OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE:

    1. Develop an understanding of the specific techniques necessary to effectively utilize necessary skills and equipment to produce a project from concept to completion.
    2. Show competency in tasks necessary to record and master a complete musical performance
    3. Develop skills necessary to understand the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of a music recording
    4. Learn to deal effectively with musical performers in a professional recording setting..

V. LEARNING OUTCOMES

    1. Student will be proficient in the operation of equipment in the recording studio and control room.
    2. Student will understand the basic principles of multi-track recording and analog & non-linear digital editing..
    3. Student will demonstrate proficiency in basic layout and design principles of Compact Disc and cassette artwork.
    4. Student will gain knowledge in communication skills by working in partnership with musical artists to complete semester project.

 

VII. COURSE OUTLINE:

 

        A. INTRODUCTION TO COURSE

    1. Distribution of Syllabus & materials
    2. Overview of course content
    3. Independent Study Component

        B. BOOKING A BAND

    1. Schedule Date (s)
    2. Pre-Production Meeting

        C. RECORDING SESSION

    1. Scratch Track
    2. Overdubbing

        D. POST PRODUCTION

    1. Mix Down
    2. Effects
    3. Editing
    4. Sequencing
    5. Mastering

        E. REPLICATION

    1. Manufacturing Facilities
    2. Technical Specifications
    3. Pricing

        F. GRAPHICS

    1. Design Elements
    2. Software standards
    3. Templates
    4. Layouts

        G. PRINTING

    1. Color Separation
    2. Pre-press
    3. Gang Run
    4. 4/C Process

        H. PROMOTION / DISTRIBUTION

    1. Radio Airplay
    2. Wholesale/Retail
    3. World Wide Web
    4. Follow-up

 

 

VIII. GRADING AND ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE

The student will be required to meet with the instructor on, at least, a weekly basis. Regularly scheduled meetings will be set. Assessment procedure will be based on successful completion of each element in the course outline. Specific requirements may be developed on an individual basis to insure the student has individual experiences consistent with their stated career goals.

Successful completion of each of 7 stated elements 75%

Project Documentation 15%

Scheduled Meeting Attendance 10%

  1. REQUIRED Readings
    2.

        Mountain & McCormick    The Independent Musician’s Survival Guide

        Cordier & Ojalvo                 Finding Fans and Selling CD’s

        Discmakers                          Guide to Master Tape Preparation

        Scott McCormick                 Musicians Guide To The Web

        Scott McCormick             Directory of Independent Music Distributors

  1. REFERENCE LIST:

            Jayce De Santis                     How To Run A Recording Session

                                                        Everything You’d Better Know…

            Gary Huswit                         Releasing an Independent Record