IRP and MP&E Courses

This course is a hands-on study of modern recording, mixing, programming and post-production techniques oriented toward producers and artists with the need to record themselves and others using a personal production toolkit. Through a series of hands-on projects culminating in a final recording, programming, and mixing project, students will learn the fundamentals of audio technology, microphones, recording techniques, audio signal flow, DAW session management and file exchange, integration of MIDI with audio tracks, signal processing, editing, and mixing techniques.

This course introduces audio fundamentals in theory and practice. Topics include: fundamentals of electricity and principles of audio electronics; the decibel scale; core concepts in analog and digital audio; signal flow and gain staging; microphone and loudspeaker principles and applications; signal processing; survey of standard DAWs; digital transmission protocols; basic plug-in formats; file handling; digital integrity and codecs; delivery formats; system setup and interconnections; and synchronization and clocking. Class meetings consist of lectures and in-class demonstrations.

This course explores the creative and technical use of digital audio workstation (DAW) software to produce tracks at a commercially-competitive level. Students will learn fundamental production skills including system configuration and customization; session organization, workflow and asset management; MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology, sequencing, virtual instruments and synchronization; session interchange and delivery; and audio editing and mixing. Students will practice using provided multi-tracks and create their own original works in a series of guided exercises and projects emphasizing audio industry standards.

This course builds on the skills acquired in IR-223 toward comprehensive command of DAW environments, tools, and workflows for music production. Through a series of guided exercises and creative projects, students will explore synthesis and sampling technology, software instruments and sound design; MIDI sequencing, beat-making and drum sample augmentation; time-stretching and pitch editing; production analysis and replication; mixing techniques blending electronic and acoustic sources, using special effects, and creative remixing. In-class project review and discussion will emphasize producers’ artistic decisions as well as technical execution.

This course is a study of the techniques and aesthetic considerations for mixing multi-track recordings in a DAW (digital audio workstation) environment. Student mixes will be critically analyzed with emphasis on technical choices and their potential impact on the listener. Topics include: common DAW procedures; asset management; mix organization and workflow; audio signal flow; editing; creative signal processing; and delivery. Class assignments consist of weekly multi-track mixing exercises in various musical styles, including both acoustic and electronic sources.

This course covers the fundamentals necessary for any independent music production project: defining the goals of the project; selecting and collaborating with writers, arrangers, beat-makers, instrumentalists, and vocalists as appropriate; making the most of the technical resources available to fit the defined goals and budget; critically evaluating performance; and orchestrating, coaching and motivating all of the participants from rehearsal to recording and final mix. Two multi-track production projects are required.

​​This course delves into the creative and practical aspects of producing records. Aesthetic topics include: pre-production; song choice; song and lyric analysis; artistic development; and creative self-analysis. Practical topics include: scheduling, budgeting, and prioritization of tasks; communicating with collaborators and industry partners; advancing commercial and career goals; and awareness of audiences and their expectations. Faculty and classmates will critique the class production process from demos to masters. Two multi-track projects are required.

This course is a hands-on study of vocal production, editing, and mixing techniques. Focus includes: the musical and psychological steps necessary to achieve emotionally impactful performances; editing techniques that augment those performances; and mixing techniques that showcase those performances in commercially competitive productions. Emphasis is placed on a collaborative production team experience, as well as a self-sufficient personal music production toolkit experience for the student producer/mixer. 

This course presents advanced DAW mixing techniques via in-class faculty demonstrations and student participation, emphasizing professional industry standards. Student mixes will be regularly analyzed in class with emphasis on both technical characteristics and aesthetic considerations. Topics covered include: reinforcement of common DAW procedures; asset management; audio signal flow; loudness normalization and delivery; advanced signal processing concepts; and overall mix impact. Projects consist of mixing complex multi-track recordings in various genres. 

This course explores the intersection of the technical and creative skills necessary to record and edit commercially-competitive productions in a personal studio recording environment. Through a number of self-produced recording projects, students will broaden and refine their command of: session etiquette, microphone selection, recording techniques, audio signal flow, DAW session management and file exchange, and signal processing. Audio editing techniques will include: comping, latency and phase repair, quantizing, amplitude editing, tuning, and sample augmentation.

This project-oriented class gives the student exposure to the creative and technical issues involved in music mastering and delivery. Topics include mastering for all commercial formats (both streaming and disc), and the standards and practices of digital audio production with a focus on musical style and genre, an understanding of expectations in the commercial marketplace and translation to various consumer experiences. Students will develop their ability to listen critically and creatively through hands-on projects while understanding the technical requirements to produce flawless audio masters. Further areas of exploration include audio restoration and forensic audio.

This course provides students with the tools to create a foundation for long-lasting success in the music industry. The course covers topics that include launching a personal or professional brand, analysis of the current music industry, establishing a professional music catalogue, and exploring growth opportunities. Each student will launch their own electronic press kit and business plan while building a successful music industry presence and gaining a deeper understanding of how to sustain their music career moving forward.