Subject Description:
Advanced Production Skills is designed to guide today’s musician and audio engineer to a
working knowledge of the skills used to compose, produce, mix and master music. This course
covers everything from the fundamentals of sound and music notation to music programming
skills using sequencers, samplers, groove boxes, MIDI keyboards, and audio loops for
composition of modern recordings. Students will receive instruction in preparation
for Pro Tools 210M certification.

Subject Hours: 16 credit hours (132 class hours, 66 lab hours)

Performance Objectives:
After completing this class, a student should be able to:
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize production, composition, and mixing skills
in any application that requires it in the real world underplayed with good project management
• Demonstrate proficiency at utilizing advanced levels of Pro Tools techniques as it applies
to real world project applications in recording, mixing, and post situations in an efficient manner.
• Show that they can transfer their abilities to work with Pro Tools to other DAW applications
when the need arises with a degree of confidence.
• Demonstrate the ability to visualize, compose, arrange, and produce a project while
adhering to deadlines and budgets.
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of music as it applies to commercial creative development.

Prerequisites: AUD101, AUD201, AUD401, PSD101, BOM101, SIM101,
may be taken concurrently with BCM101

Required Textbooks: Mixing With Your Mind by Michael Paul Stavrou, 1st edition, ©2003
The Art of Producing by David Gibson, 1st edition, ©2004
Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison, 2nd edition, ©2010
Pro Tools 210M, by Digidesign & Frank D. Cook ©2008

Instructional Methods: Lecture, Demonstration, Hands-on Lab

Maximum Students: Instructor Ratio 12:1

Materials and Media References: External Hard Drive, CDRs, Note Taking Materials,
MediaTech Institute Learning Resource Center

Weekly Content Outline (11 week course):
Week 1: The Production Process and job of the producer
Week 2: Introduction to song analysis through the 11 aspects, (1) Concept, (2) Melody,
(3) Rhythm, (4) Structure, (5) Density, (6) Harmony, (7) Instrumentation, (8) Performance,
(9) Quality of Equipment, (10) Lyrics, (11) Mix
Week 3: Understanding Music, Intervals, Chords, Nashville numbers
Week 4: Song Forms, Midi Recording, (4) Structure, (5) Density, (6) Harmony
Week 5: Arranging with Midi, useful software, Garage Band 1, Ableton Live 1
Week 6: Advanced techniques in arranging, virtual instruments, (7) Instrumentation,
(8) Performance, Reason
Week 7: Advanced recording techniques, (9) Quality of Equipment, Tracking band
Week 8: Advanced techniques in songwriting, writing (10) Lyrics
Week 9: Final project production
Week 10: The (11) Mix, Mixing workflow, magic frequencies, EQ, Compression
Week 11: Final project recording, mixing application, Mastering

Basis of Grades:
Quizzes and Homework: 40%
Projects: 40%
Final Exam: 20%

Class Schedules:

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULES >>

Audio Engineering & Studio Techniques / Live Sound Reinforcement / Post-Production Audio /
Advanced Production Skills / Business of Music / Business Communications /
Principles of Studio Design / Studio Installation & Maintenance


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