Beginning Engineering

Day 1 – Inputs/Outputs, Operating DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) 

1. Installing hardware
   1. Interface
   2. Speakers
   3. Keyboard
   4. Mixer
2. Hooking up instruments/mics/
   1. Learn proper inputs/outputs 
      1. Type of connections  - ¼ in. 1/8 in. XLR, RCA, MIDI
      2. Mono/Stereo, MIDI
3. Create session (Logic, Protools)
   1. Basic Operation
   2. Create New Tracks
      1. Types of Track Audio, Auxiliary, Master
      2. Assigning tracks (Bussing)
   3. Choose Tempo
   4. Choose Instruments
      1. All types of VSTs
      2. Samplers
      3. Loading loops
4. MIDI

Day 2 – Recording Music and Basic Editing

1. Vocal Basics
   1. Mic levels
   2. Using Pre-amp (if available)
   3. Mic booth setup
2. Instruments Basics
   1. Types of inputs/signals
   2. Using outside hardware (guitar pedals, effects boards, amps, etc)
   3. Adjusting input levels, finding optimal quality for recording
3. Import Existing Music
   1. 2 tracks
   2. A capella
   3. Loops
4. Record Music/Lyrics
   1. Basic Recording operations
   2. Basic Editing operations
      1. Copying/pasting files
      2. Moving/adjusting files
   3. Song Elements and proper recording
      1. Hook 
      2. Verses
      3. Intro/Outro
      4. Backups
      5. Instruments

Day 3 – Editing/Mixing

1. Assigning Tracks
   1. Creating busses
   2. Adding effects/send

2.  Using Mixer

1. Effects Background
   1. Types of Effects
   2. When and where to use basic effects
      1. Reverb
      2. Delay
      3. EQ
      4. Compression
      5. Distortion, etc.
   3. Adjusting busses
2. Envelopes

Day 4 – Finalizing/ Exporting

1. Master Track
   1. Proper Levels
2. File types
3. File qualities
4. How to export

Learn how to produce and record music with a computer from a professional Audio Engineer.  This course will walk through all the necessary steps to create music using a computer.  We cover hardware and software setup, basic recording and editing concepts, applying effects and plug-ins, and finally exporting final products.  

Requirements: Headphones and flash drive to store music on

Cost: $75

Schedule: 4 weeks, once a week, 3 hour classes