AUDIO TECHNOLOGY

Effective: WINTER 2010

Degrees and Certificates - Click for Program Outline:

• AAS - SFCC
• Certificate - SFCC

Enrollment: Fall

Program Description

The objective of this program is to prepare students for entry-level jobs and for self employment in the entertainment industry in the areas of digital/audio production, recording/live sound engineering and as broadcast and audio equipment technicians.

The certificate and first year of the AAS degree provides a basic understanding of the music technology/audio engineering field. Students learn principles and procedures of studio recording, CD production and live sound reinforcement. They also receive an introduction to state of the art software programs specific to the digital recording industry including ProTools. The first year also includes basic music theory, piano keyboard skills and the business aspects of the music industry.

The second year of the AAS degree provides advanced study and implementation of the above as well as intensive study of the ProTools operating system. Students will further develop their skills in studio recording, CD production, live sound reinforcement, song writing, and Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)/digital technologies for music arranging and film scoring.

Program Goals

1. Set up and operate audio equipment including consoles and signal processing gear in studio and live sound applications.
2. Understand recording studio procedures and techniques.
3. Set up and operate PA systems in a variety of concert venues.
4. Use DAW software to record, edit and mix audio for music and video production.
5. Create MIDI arrangements using digital synthesizers and sampling software.
6. Compose for and score video productions (commercials, video games, movies, etc.).

Career Opportunities

There are many pathways to employment in the field of audio engineering including work in recording facilities, postproduction studios and live sound venues. The increasing popularity of video games and multi-media production has led to increased demand in the gaming and web industries for skilled audio technicians well versed in digital and analog technology.

POTENTIAL POSITIONS INCLUDE: studio recording/mix engineer, live sound engineer, AV technician, editor, Foley artist, and MIDI programmer.