The Art of Recording

The Art of Recording will provide both a practical
and theoretical introduction to working with sound
as musical material in a recording studio.

Students will learn how to listen critically and
creatively and to use their ears when generating,
manipulating and recording sounds. Students will
learn the fundamentals of both analog and digital
audio recording; acoustics; signal chain assembly;
gain-staging; mixing-console orientation;
microphone usage/placement; and working with Pro
Tools. Practical, studio-based workshops will
demonstrate methods of working with out-of-the box
sounds and recording techniques that emphasize
thoughtful and committed creative decision making
(including minimalist drum mic-ing, working with
4-track tape recorders, DIY reverb, and
MIDI-clocked analog electronic instruments).

Students will complete several studio-based
practical exams, as well as having the opportunity
to create small recording projects that encourage
sonic exploration and experimentation. The
emphasis in all projects will be on generating
engaging sounds in the room and choosing and
placing microphones to capture these sounds,
rather than relying on post-production signal
processing or plug-ins.

This course is appropriate both for students who
already have experience recording in a DAW as well
as those who have never picked up a microphone
before.