AUDI - Audio Production

Course Descriptions

 

AUDI 1000 Audio Production for Non-Majors (3)

Students examine the basics of audio recording, editing, sound mixing and special effects. The student is expected to work independently in the software Adobe Audition.

AUDI 1061 Steal This Music (3)

Through case study of controversies in the music industry, students learn about the cultures and institutions of music and the ethical considerations applied to creation, distribution, and consumption of music. Students learn to analyze both the context and the specifics of the ethical dilemmas facing music industry professionals, as well as the average person. Students learn to advocate for ethical individual and societal responses to resolve or address these dilemmas. GCP Coding: (SSHB) (ETH).

AUDI 1062 Songs of Protest: Words and Music in the Struggle for Change (3)

This course will survey the development of the "protest song" from the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st. The course will take an interdisciplinary approach to explore the synergy of words and music into a powerful communication tool in the struggle for change. It is not a course in music history or composition. Students will examine examples of protest songs and consider the song's socio/political impact, the life of its composer/performer, the ethical values expressed, and the song's place in history. Songs from social struggles including slavery, racial equality, the rise of labor unions, LGBTQ rights and anti-war protests will form the core of the course content. Although the course will focus on the protest song in America, it will also touch on its global role in other countries such as South Africa and Russia. The central question to be considered is "How have songs been used as a tool to effect social and political change and have they been effective?"

Course work includes weekly lectures, reading and listening assignments; participation in a discussion group; and writing projects that focus on analysis of songs and their role in social struggles in America and beyond. Course may be repeated if content varies. Content for this course does not vary significantly from term to term. GCP Coding: (SSHB) (WCOM).

AUDI 1063 Introduction to Podcasting (3)

Through the examination and analysis of podcasts, students explore the contexts and contents of this communication medium from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Students will learn introductory production techniques and develop skills necessary for successful podcast creation and distribution. In this course, each student will individually create and release a series of podcasts. GCP Coding: (ARTS) (OCOM).

AUDI 1064 Cinema Sound: From Talkies to THX (3)

Through the viewing and discussion of films, students learn about the technical history of film sound, and explore how the technologies available have changed directors' and sound engineers' creative choices, and ability to affect the overall experience, both historically and in contemporary film. Students will learn to analyze the soundtracks of film through discussion and independent viewing. Students will present their own analysis of the audio component of scenes from film and use relevant content to develop and explore ideas regarding the aesthetic choices of the soundtrack. GCP Coding: (ARTS) (WCOM).

AUDI 1110 Audio Technology Lecture (3)

The course provides an introduction to the technology, techniques and science employed in audio production, in a lecture format. Topics include basic acoustics, transducers (microphones and loudspeakers), mixing console function and operation, gain structure, signal path, fundamentals of digital audio, hearing preservation and jobs in the industry. Co-requisites: AUDI 1121 and AUDI 1131.

AUDI 1121 Signals and Systems (3)

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the concepts learned in AUDI 1110 to hands-on production work. Students are expected to work independently and in small groups both in the recording studio and in the field. Co-requisites: AUDI 1110 and AUDI 1131.

AUDI 1131 Digital Audio Workstations (3)

This intermediate-level course provides students with an intensive exploration into Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and their use in multitrack mixing. Topics include intermediate DAW techniques such as routing, editing and manipulation, as well as developing students' abilities to subjectively evaluate results, and to assert individual creativity through mixing and the use of effects and enhancements. Co-requisites: AUDI 1110 and AUDI 1121.

AUDI 1630 Sound Design for Media (3)

This course provides and introduction to the techniques and principles used in the creation of sound designs for media-based projects. Emphasis will be placed on examining the individual elements within a sound design. Topics include types of sound effects, music sourcing and creation, deliverables and aesthetic analysis. Prerequisite: C- or better in AUDI 1000 or AUDI 1110, or concurrent enrollment in AUDI 1110.

AUDI 2210 Fundamentals of Audio Mixing (3)

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and practices of music mixing. Students learn the essential steps of the mixing process, develop critical listening skills, and explore how technical and creative choices shape a final mix. Topics include session organization, balance, panning, processing, vocal treatment, effects, and creating depth within the stereo field. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply core mixing techniques in a variety of musical contexts. Prerequisites: AUDI 1131 and AUDI 2845.

AUDI 2230 Introduction to Music Recording (3)

This course provides students with an introduction to modern studio multitrack recording techniques and practices. First, students will examine individual instruments and various microphone techniques in the studio setting. Later, students will work with groups of instruments, expanding to deal with issues of isolation and ensemble. Additional topics include subjective analysis of microphone techniques, blending and balancing various instrument combinations and familiarity with musical genres. Prerequisites: AUDI 1121 and AUDI 1131.

AUDI 2411 Foley and Effects Creation (3)

In this class, students learn techniques for creating and synchronizing sound effects to visual media projects. Students will record sound effects in the field and in the studio, as well as study the art of sound effect performance (Foley). Prerequisite: C- or better in AUDI 1121 or AUDI 1630.

AUDI 2420 On Set and Dialog Recording (3)

This course provides students with hands-on experience in the techniques and practices of recording audio for picture, from on-set production sound to post-production dialog and ADR. Students develop skills in boom microphone operation, wireless system setup and concealment, live mixing, recording and editing vocal performances, and synchronizing dialog to picture. The course also emphasizes workflow, documentation, and effective collaboration with directors, actors, and post-production teams. Prerequisites:  AUDI 1121 & AUDI 1630.

AUDI 2610 Beat Making (3)

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to virtual music production, with an emphasis on contemporary beat-making practices. Students will engage in genre-agnostic creative processes while exploring the technical and aesthetic foundations that inform modern digital production workflows. Through hands-on activities, structured listening, and guided practice, students will develop essential skills in MIDI sequencing, drum programming, sampling, arrangement, and digital audio workstation (DAW) operation. The course emphasizes creative exploration across musical styles and the cultivation of practical production techniques used throughout today’s music industry.

AUDI 2630 Music Licensing A-Z (3)

This course provides an introduction to the creative, legal, and business practices involved in synchronization (sync) licensing for contemporary media. Students explore how music is cleared, licensed, and placed in film, television, advertising, video games, and digital platforms. Topics include metadata and ownership rights, publishing considerations, types of sync agreements, and professional pitching strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills, communication practices, and industry awareness necessary to prepare and submit original music for sync opportunities.

AUDI 2710 Acoustics (3)

This course provides students with an intermediate-level exploration of acoustics, focusing on musical acoustics and its application to audio production. Topics include periodic motion, vibration, general room acoustics, small vs. large room acoustics, reflections, reverberation, noise, absorption, diffusion, isolation, resonance, musical acoustics, spectral analysis, and brass, stringed and percussion instruments. Prerequisites: C or concurrent enrollment, in both AUDI 1110 and MUSC 1005.

AUDI 2845 Critical Listening (3)

This course will introduce students to a new way of listening to music. Students will learn to listen to music as frequencies and timbre instead of the traditional notes and chords. Topics include, frequency analysis, song structure, tone recognition, equalization & compression recognition, modulation & time based effect recognition, and audio aesthetics. Prerequisite: C- or better in AUDI 1110.

AUDI 3150 Topics (1-3)

Offered periodically to deal with topics in audio not covered by regularly offered courses. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: May vary with topic.

AUDI 3230 Music Recording (3)

This is an upper-level course in multitrack music recording, performed in a studio setting, which builds upon the work done in AUDI 2230. Students learn to perform the jobs of the various members of the recording team, including the role of engineer, assistant engineer, producer and tape operator. Emphasis is placed on advanced-level mixing and subjective evaluation of recordings. Prerequisite: C- or better in AUDI 2230.

AUDI 3240 Advanced Audio Editing (3)

This course provides students with an in-depth exploration of the concepts and practices involved in professional music editing. Students will learn the essential stages of the editing process, develop advanced critical listening and editing skills, and examine how technical and creative decisions shape the final outcome of an audio project. Topics include session organization, grid-based and free-time (non-grid) editing, vocal and instrumental comping, flying parts across sections, and both two-track and multitrack editing workflows. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply advanced editing techniques effectively across a variety of musical styles and production environments. Prerequisites: AUDI 1131 and AUDI 2845.

AUDI 3260 Immersive Audio (3)

This class introduces students to mixing and recording in immersive audio formats.  Students will learn the Immersive Audio ecosystem, how to set up sessions and manipulate object-based audio in immersive listening fields and create industry standard deliverables.  Students will mix audio for both music and video formats, and will also record with various immersive audio mic arrays and techniques. Prerequisites: AUDI 1131, AUDI 2210

AUDI 3310 Live Audio Production 1 (3)

This course provides an introduction to live audio production and gives students the opportunity to apply many of the skills learned in AUDI 1121. Topics include sound system design, front-of-house mixing, system troubleshooting, wireless device coordination and an introduction to system measurement and optimization. Additionally, students in this class will assist students in AUDI 3311 with live sound reinforcement for a variety of events across campus. Prerequisite: C- or better in AUDI 1121.

AUDI 3311 Live Audio Production 2 (3)

In this course, students will perform the duties of lead audio engineer for a variety of events across campus. To prepare students for these activities, class meetings will focus on intermediate-to-advanced live sound applications and techniques, event coordination, team leadership, and the design of systems for music reinforcement. Additional topics include system optimization, mixing monitors and mixing for music reinforcement. Prerequisite: C- or better in AUDI 3310.

AUDI 3410 Post Production and Mixing (3)

This course focuses on the assembly and mixing of the audio component of a visual media project. Students work with pre-recorded materials to assemble, blend and synchronize mixes for both stereo and surround formats. Topics include balancing and blending audio for 2-channel and 5.1-channel reproduction, broadcast standards and practices and intermediate sound design skills. Prerequisites: AUDI 1131 and AUDI 2411.

AUDI 3599 Independent Study (Juniors or Seniors) (1-12)

Independent Study involves research work on a specialized subject or project, artistic work, or study of an interdisciplinary nature. In contrast to a practicum, the emphasis in an independent study is usually on individual pursuit of a specific content area. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Departmental permission and filing of official form.

AUDI 3610 The Modern Producer (3)

This course examines the evolving role of the modern music producer in today’s rapidly changing audio landscape. With the shift from traditional commercial studios to portable, mobile, and home-based production environments, contemporary producers must possess both technical versatility and strong interpersonal, creative, and business skills. Students will explore modern production techniques, recording workflows, and session strategies suitable for non-traditional and hybrid recording spaces. Topics include mobile and location-based recording, producing and directing musicians and vocalists, arranging instrumental and vocal parts, protecting digital assets, copyright and publishing fundamentals, and current business practices within the contemporary music industry. Prerequisites: AUDI 2210, and AUDI 2230.

AUDI 3720 Testing and Troubleshooting (3)

This course introduces students to intermediate-level testing and troubleshooting methods and practices. Topics include familiarity with test and measurement equipment, measurement techniques and diagnostic procedures, impulse response and frequency response measurements, system calibration and calibration standards, soldering and basic repair skills. Prerequisites: AVIT 1100 and AUDI 1121

AUDI 4230 Studio Engineering 1 (3)

Students in this course will learn about the operation of a recording facility as they perform the role of engineer in various recording studios on campus. Engineers will be expected to facilitate recording sessions while leading assistant engineers, perform regular studio maintenance, attend weekly engineer meetings and perform other duties as needed in the operation of the studios. Prerequisites: C- or better in AUDI 2230 and senior standing.

AUDI 4231 Studio Engineering 2 (3)

Students in this course will gain an advanced understanding of the operation of a recording facility as they perform the role of a chief engineer/studio manager in various recording studios on campus. Students assume responsibility for the administration of the recording studios, including the maintenance, scheduling and operation of the audio facilities. Students will also be expected to facilitate recording sessions while leading engineers and assistant engineers and coordinate regular studio maintenance. Prerequisite: B- or better in AUDI 4230.

AUDI 4310 Live Audio Production 3 (3)

This advanced course builds on prior live sound fundamentals to prepare students for work in touring, theatrical, and concert venue environments. Students will design and troubleshoot complex signal flows including networked audio, digital routing through consoles, and programming DSP.   The course emphasizes system tuning and optimization using industry standard measurement tools and loudspeaker management techniques.  Students will also develop and apply wireless microphone and IEM frequency coordination strategies, create and manage show files and scene automation, and use array prediction software to plan and evaluate loudspeaker coverage within a venue. Prerequisites: AUDI 3311

AUDI 4930 Audio Production Capstone (3)

This course represents the culmination of the Audio Production program curriculum. Students integrate and apply program-level learning outcomes through the completion of a substantial, large-scale audio production project. Course meetings are conducted in a seminar format and focus on peer and faculty discussion of project development, production decisions, and challenges encountered throughout the creative and technical process. Final deliverables include a completed audio production project submitted in physical or digital form, along with a written document that reflects on the project’s conceptual development, production methodology, and outcomes. Prerequisites: AUDI 4230 and senior standing.