SME

Course Overview

1: Introduction to Studio Engineering & BUILDING A HOME STUDIO

1. Overview of the Recording Studio

   • Introduction to studio layout

   • Essential components: Microphones, Interfaces, Preamps, Converters

   • Diagrams of studio setups

   • Creative fortress

2. Fundamentals of Sound and Acoustics

   • Basics of sound waves and properties

   • Room acoustics: absorption, diffusion, reflection

   • Gear Selection Guide: How to choose the right microphone, interface, etc.

3. Lab Workbook

   • Exercises for setting up a basic recording chain

   • Mic positioning and soundproofing techniques

   • Worksheets for planning effective home studio setups

4. Guest Speaker Notes

   • Key insights from the Professional Studio Engineer and Acoustician/Audio Equipment Retailer

5. Additional Resources

   • Reading list and online resources

   • Equipment catalogs and reviews

2: DAW Deep Dive

1. Introduction to Digital Audio Workstations

   • Overview of Logic Pro and Pro-Tools

   • DAW interface and key functionalities

   • Comparative analysis of both DAWs

2. DAW Basics

   • Step-by-step guides for track laying, MIDI programming, and hotkeys

   • Signal flow within DAWs

3. Lab Workbook

   • Hands-on exercises for DAW exploration

   • Project templates and example tracks for practice

4. Guest Speaker Notes

   • Music Producer’s insights and tips

5. Additional Resources

   • Tutorials, video guides, and forums for DAW users

3: Recording Techniques for Self-Recording Artists

1. Advanced Recording Techniques

   • Detailed guide on mic placement, gain staging, EQ, and compression

   • Signal flow charts for recording setups

2. Lab Workbook

   • Exercises for recording vocals and instruments

   • Signal processing application worksheets

3. Guest Speaker Notes

   • Sound Engineer’s practical advice and techniques

4. Additional Resources

   • Case studies of successful recordings

   • Reference recordings for practice

4: Mixing Basics

1. Mix Techniques

   • Balancing tracks, dynamics processing, EQ settings

   • Use of vocal chains, reverbs, delays, and plugins

2. Lab Workbook

   • Step-by-step mixing exercises

   • Checklists for creating a balanced mix

3. Guest Speaker Notes

   • Mixing Engineer’s methodologies and tips

4. Additional Resources

   • Video tutorials and mix breakdowns

5: Advanced Mixing Techniques

1. Advanced Mixing Concepts

   • Parallel processing, routing, reference mixing guides

   • Sidechain techniques and advanced EQ settings

2. Lab Workbook

   • Advanced mixing tasks and challenges

   • Case studies and example projects for reference

3. Guest Speaker Notes

   • Advanced tips from the Mixing Engineer

4. Additional Resources

   • Masterclass sessions and advanced mixing tutorials

6: ADVANCED MIXING Essentials

Course Book Outline:

1. Mastering Techniques and Nuances

   • Introduction to mastering: signal flow, mastering EQ, compression, and limiting

   • Loudness standards and final format considerations

2. Lab Workbook

   • Exercises for mastering tracks

   • Worksheets for loudness and final format checks

3. Guest Speaker Notes

   • Mastering Engineer George Espinoza’s insights

4. Additional Resources

   • Mastering software guides and mastering engineer interviews

7: Final Project

1. Project Guidelines

   • Objectives and expectations for the final project

   • Criteria for evaluation and feedback

2. Real-World Application Workbook

   • Templates for project planning and execution

   • Case studies of successful music projects

Week 8: Music Distribution & Understanding Formats

1. Digital Distribution Basics

   • Guide on file formats, metadata, and platform requirements

   • Loudness and formatting standards

2. Lab Workbook

   • Exercises for exporting and metadata tagging

   • Checklists for distribution readiness

3. Guest Speaker Notes

   • Digital Distribution Expert’s strategies and advice

4. Additional Resources

   • Distribution platform guides and success stories

Graduation and Showcase

1. Graduation

   • We host an official graduation and showcase of your final projects to your friends and family

   • Each student will receive a certificate of completion

   • Tips for continued learning and growth in the field