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Summer 2008 Course Offerings

Think Summer. Think Tisch.

These courses are available to any student looking to take courses within the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music during the Summer of 2008.

Please contact Tisch-Special Programs for more information on tuition & fees, and how you can enroll in Summer 2008 Recorded Music courses by clicking on the link to the right or by calling 212.998.1500.

Courses are subject to change. List updated 4/10/08.







RECORDED MUSIC SUMMER 2008 COURSES


H85.1106.001 Music Theory, 2 credits (H99.8504 for non-credit)
TR 9:20am-10:50am
194 Mercer, Studio 510
Jeff Peretz
*This class meets 5/19-6/28

This music theory course is geared toward producers with an emphasis on a no-nonsense and demystifying presentation of the basics of music theory. We will review a variety of musical examples - sheet music and recordings - to demonstrate these concepts (everything from Bach, The Beatles, and Sting, to Jazz and Hip-hop). The second half of the course is a practical application of the tools.  You will learn how to analyze a song, in addition to learning basic arranging and composing.  The goal of the class is to enable you to break down a song competently and have a fuller appreciation of what arranger/composer/songwriters do - skills you will undoubtedly need in a production career.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1196.001 Writing about Popular Music, 4 credits (H99.8596 for non-credit)
TR 6:20pm-9:25pm
Location TBA
Ben Sisario
*This class meets 5/19-6/28

Any student or practitioner of recorded music requires the ability to communicate articulately about music in written form.  Achieving a hands-on familiarity with a wide range of writing styles – from musician biographies, press releases and online blogs, to descriptions, reviews and critiques of musical performances – is the primary goal of this course. Students will also consider and analyze different approaches to writing music, across varying contexts, formats, styles, and methodologies; they will refine skills to describe a musical recording or performance with accuracy and understanding; analyze, understand, and produce quality criticism, reporting and journalism about music; consider the history and contemporary relevance of music writing and journalism; engage key theoretical writings and concepts in the study of popular music (i.e. Benjamin, Adorno, etc.);  develop a series of practical writing and reading skills in writing that are immediately applicable in the recorded music workforce.   Assignments may include weekly writing assignments of different lengths, and/or a substantial final paper, culminating in a total of approximately 20 pages of writing by the end of the semester. Students' work will be closely edited by the instructor; and through peer critiques, students in the class will also be engaged as editors.

H85.1020.001 Pro Tools I, 2 credits (H99.8520 for non-credit)
MTWR 11am-2:15pm
194 Mercer, Classroom 502
Staff
*This class meets 5/19-6/6

The goal of the Pro Tools class is to give students a deep understanding of the concept and operation of this industry standard computer-based production tool, as well as a hands-on approach based on the instructor’s experience. Students will acquire an in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of Pro Tools as a recording and editing tool.  Each class will be held as a workshop. Students will be familiarized with modes of operation, setting record levels and multi-track techniques. These basic yet important lessons will evolve into task specific operations, such as overdubbing to create an arrangement or setting up to track live drums. The last part of the course will focus on editing, consolidating, and saving the work for mix sessions.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1040.001 Engineering I, 2 credits (H99.8540 for non-credit)
MTWR 3pm-6:15pm
194 Mercer, Studio 510
Michael McCoy
*This class meets 5/19-6/6

This course familiarizes students with the practical aspects of the recording process in the studio while providing an introduction to digital and analog music production. Engineering I is an intensive survey of the theory, techniques and science of sound recording. Students will be introduced to the basics of recording studios and sessions through lectures, demonstrations, supplemental reading and assignments carried out in the studio. Topics include: microphones and microphone technique, analog and digital recording, acoustics, critical listening and the fundamentals of electronics.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1021.001 Pro Tools II, 2 credits (H99.8521 for non-credit)
MTWR 11am-2:15pm
194 Mercer, Classroom 502
Staff
*This class meets 6/9-6/28

Prerequisite: H85.1020.001 Pro Tools I, or equivalent knowledge
The goal of the Pro Tools class is to give students a deep understanding of the concept and operation of this industry standard computer-based production tool, as well as a hands-on approach based on the instructor’s experience. Students will focus on mixing with Pro Tools, using equalization, compression, effects, and automation. Emphasis will be on proper mix master delivery and archiving. An introduction to surround mixing (concepts & formats) will follow, as well as a brief class on mastering with Pro Tools. The course will conclude with an introduction to MIDI, virtual instruments, and programming. The final project will consist of students recording, editing, mixing, and mastering a 30-second music spot on Pro Tools.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1041.001 Engineering II, 2 credits (H99.8541 for non-credit)
MTWR 3pm-6:15pm
194 Mercer, Studio 510
Michael McCoy
*This class meets 6/9-6/28

Prerequisite: H85.1040.001 Engineering I, or equivalent knowledge
This course will survey the tools used in the studio and the methods and mechanics behind them. Moving beyond fundamental scientific concepts, we will explore the workings of compressors, equalizers, reverbs and delays. Also, the course will delve into the powerful combination of Pro Tools and analog technology, automation, as well as important concepts in electronics, gain structure and metering.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1710.001 Pro Tools for Educators, 2 credits (H99.8571 for non-credit)
MW 6:20pm-9:25pm
194 Mercer, Classroom 502
Noah Simon
*This class meets 6/9-6/28

Students will acquire an in depth knowledge of Digidesign's Pro Tools. Pro Tools is the recording industries most popular computer based digital recording and editing platform. Low cost versions of this program entitled Pro Tools LE, can be easily and  affordably integrated into a schools computer lab, enabling music teachers to use the software as a tool in teaching techniques of recording, arranging and MIDI programing as well as the concepts of basic music theory. In addition, knowledge of the program can enable teachers to develop a music technology curriculum enabling schools to develop podcasts and other audio based media. Class is held in a state-of-the-art lab with each student having their own workstation.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1005.001 Studio Lab: Ensembles, 4 credits (H99.8555 for non-credit)
TR 6:20pm-10:25pm
194 Mercer, 5th Floor
Rod Hui
*This class meets 6/30-8/8

This course offers students the opportunity to face the challenges of recording an ensemble in a realistic professional recording studio setting. The class will execute a series of recording and mixing sessions. Each student will be given the opportunity to produce, co-produce, engineer and assistant engineer in the recording of a live ensemble. Students will be responsible for coordinating logistical and creative issues associated with each recording. The importance of pre-production, social skills, and teamwork will be greatly stressed, as there will be a set recording time limit for each ensemble.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1009.001 Beats & Beatmaking, 4 credits (H99.8503 for non-credit)
TR 3pm-6:15pm
194 Mercer, Classroom 502
Prince Charles Alexander
*This class meets 6/30-8/8

This course will develop a working knowledge of the sampling, sequencing, editing, recording and mixing tools used by music producers to create the individual voices and sonic identities within contemporary music production. In particular, we will be looking at Digidesign’s Pro Tools, Propellerhead's Reason, Akai's MPC 4000 and SSL’s K9000 automated mixing console. Over the course of the semester, students will learn how to assemble original compositions using these technologies and apply them through various popular music styles. Students are encouraged to bring in source and reference material. The course culminates in a final project that features the student’s original composition.
 
Familiarity with Pro Tools is preferred, but knowledge of Logic or Digital Performer is also acceptable.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1096.001 Advanced Music Theory, 2 credits (H99.8505 for non-credit)
TR 9:20am-10:50am
194 Mercer, Studio 510
Jeff Peretz
*This class meets 6/30-8/8

Prerequisite: H85.1106.001 Music Theory, or equivalent knowledge
Advanced Music Theory and Ear Training for Producers will explore in depth the way that theory and the musical aspects of recording are approached from the producer’s, performer and composer/arranger’s perspective.  Students will study the analysis and emulation of the rhythms, melodies and harmonies used in classic and contemporary western music as well as music from around the world. This overview and breakdown of the song, (exposing how it was produced, arranged, and performed) combined with guided lectures will provide a very practical approach to the global artistic construction of pop music.  Other highlights of the course include melodic and harmonic ear training as well as advanced chart writing.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1202.001 The Recorded Music Industry Past, Present & Future, 4 credits (H99.8517 for non-credit)
MW 3:30pm-6:10pm
Location TBA
Lauren Davis
*This class meets 6/30-8/8

The role of music in society has changed over the centuries. What was once social and participatory has largely turned into an industry and a commodity. Just over the past century, the music business has changed and morphed along with ever-evolving technology: musical instruments, pianos and player pianos, sheet music and music publishing, recorded cylinders and phonograph records, compact cassettes and compact discs, MP3’s and file sharing, bricks and mortar music retailing and internet music stores, radio, television, music videos and film, concerts and touring, to name a few of the players. This course will examine the roots of the music industry, how it grew and developed into a multi-billion dollar industry, and where it is headed. The course will give students an understanding of the structure and organization of a successful music business, how one can maneuver in the present and prepare for the future.

H85.1022.001 Programming I, 2 credits (H99.8522 for non-credit)
MTWR 11am-2:15pm
194 Mercer, Classroom 502
Staff
*This class meets 6/30-7/18

Prerequisite: H85.1021.001 Pro Tools II, or equivalent knowledge
Since its beginning, the field of audio recording has been shaped by technology, creating a need for technically minded “engineers” to bridge the gap between those who create the music (songwriters, producers, and musicians) and those who wish to listen to it at their convenience. Advances in technology have even shaped the way songwriters, producers, and musicians create their music; from the development of the electric guitar and amplifiers to sophisticated synthesizers, samplers, and computer-based instruments.  While there is still a need for high-quality engineers, innovations in technology (particularly the integration of the computer into the music industry) now allow songwriters, producers, and musicians to do more with less, thereby diminishing the gap between themselves and the consumer. Through a series of discussions, in-class exercises, and assignments, this course will provide an opportunity for students to learn how to use “programming” tools to create music.  Together with Programming II, the course will cover digital audio and focus heavily on MIDI via multiple platforms, including Pro Tools, Logic, Reason, and Ableton Live.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1720.001 Logic for Educators, 2 credits (H99.8572 for non-credit)
MW 6:20pm-9:25pm
194 Mercer, Classroom 502
Staff
*This class meets 6/30-7/18

Students will acquire a working knowledge of Apple's Logic. Logic is fast becoming the recording industry's most popular computer based MIDI, digital audio, and virtual instrument workstation. Class will be held in a state of the art computer lab, with each student having his or her own workstation. Students will learn the concepts and practical applications of MIDI programming, the use of "soft" or Virtual Instruments, and recording & editing within Logic.  Logic is an excellent and affordable tool for allowing student arrangements to come to life in the absence of full ensembles or orchestras. In addition, the software can also be used as a powerful notation, teaching, printing and editing tool.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1023.001 Programming II, 2 credits (H99.8523 for non-credit)
MTWR 11am-2:15pm
194 Mercer, Classroom 502
Staff
*This class meets 7/21-8/8

Prerequisite: H85.1022.001 Programming I, or equivalent knowledge
In an age of do-it-yourself technology, advances in MIDI sequencing and software synthesis programming allow songwriters and producers to turn ideas into demos, and demos into full productions.  In this course, students will apply the fundamentals of MIDI covered in Programming I to MIDI programming and sequencing via multiple software platforms, including Logic, Reason, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1730.001 Recording for Educators, 2 credits (H99.8573 for non-credit)
MW 6:20pm-9:25pm
194 Mercer, Studio 505
Charles Alexander
*This class meets 7/21-8/8

Students will acquire knowledge of general audio recording practices in the environment of a professional recording studio. Using gear appropriately affordable for middle and high school budgets, students will learn practical techniques for recording acoustic and electric instruments, microphone usage and technique, and the concept of "signal flow", tracking a sound from its origin through microphone, recording console and eventually to hard disc. The course will cover topics such as compression, reverb, room acoustics, production techniques and mixing for presentation.
Note: There is a lab fee for this class.

H85.1037.001 Industry Internship, 1-8 credits
Time TBA
Location TBA
Lauren Davis
This class meets 5/19-8/8

Note: Only open to Recorded Music majors. Please see Internship Coordinator, Lauren Davis, upon registration for more information.