Curriculum
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to record, mix, master and produce in both an analog audio recording environment as well as an electronic and software based environment using the most current tools and technology. Students will understand the processes and strategies involved with writing and producing scores for film, TV, interactive design and the gaming industry and will also have an in-depth understanding of the music business, legal and contract issues and how to market yourself in the music industry.
Students in this program will be using either a Mac or PC laptop, an audio interface, and the following software (all of which they keep): Cubase, Ableton Live, Reason, Native Instruments Komplete, Miroslav Philharmonik, and a mixing package. The students will register the computer and software in their own names. While students will produce the majority of their work on their own computer, they will also be working in some of Vancouver’s top commercial recording studios.
Upon program completion, students will become proficient in the following:
- Audio recording & proper microphone techniques
- Working with sampled musical instruments
- Understanding how to program software and hardware synthesizers
- Understanding how to mix multi-track recordings on both analog and software mixers
- Understanding how to use both hardware and software audio devices to master a final recording
- Music Theory – notation, scales, keys, time signatures, tempos and scoring
- Songwriting strategies for applied arts purposes
- Music business and Law
- Marketing and self-promotion.
Program elements include:
Electronic Music Production: Students will compose and construct original compositions and remixes with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, ProTools, and some of the leading 'soft synths' in the industry.
Music Theory: Developing your craft as a music creator involves a dedicated effort to understanding how music is composed and structured. It is essential to speak the language of music in order to communicate with other musicians. Our theory courses are designed to provide a strong foundation for DJs, film, television, and game composers, music producers and songwriters.
Recording and Studio Engineering: A core focus of the program, students will be introduced to the theory and practice of the professional recording arts. They will understand how music is recorded at a professional level, both in commercial studios and on their mobile setups. Students will learn ProTools with a certified ProTools Instructor.
Mixing and Mastering Music: All modern music recordings have been mixed and mastered for mass distribution, and students will learn a detailed professisonal approach to the technical and artistic aspects of each.
Composing for Film/Mixed Media/Advertising: Learning how to compose music for mixed media and trans-media projects can offer significant career opportunities in the industry.
Music Business and Career Planning: This career-focused class offers students the core skills required to navigate the creative industries they will be working within upon graduation. Topics include legal aspects of the music business, marketing and promotion, distribution, understanding social media, and website creation
Term 1
- Logic Pro
- Ableton Live
- Music Theory
- Recording Techniques (includes off-site studio time)
- Synthesis and Sampling
Term 2
- Advanced Ableton
- Songwriting and Arranging
- ProTools
- Advanced Logic Pro
- Mixing (includes off-site studio time)
Term 3
- Writing for Film, TV, Games and Visual Media
- Advanced ProTools
- Expert Logic
- Major Project Lab/Mastering (includes off-site studio time)
- Music Business and Career Planning