Recording Technology, A.M Curriculum
Like all music majors, those students who have selected an emphasis in recording technology must complete courses in music theory, aural comprehension, applied music, performance class, piano and major ensembles. All students who are interested in pursuing the recording technology curriculum must first placement assessments in music theory and piano, and meet with the head of the music department. If deficiencies in music theory and/or piano are identified, the student must first complete MUS 112 - Basic Music Theory and MUS 120 - Introduction to Piano, before enrollment in college-level music theory, aural comprehension, and piano techniques may occur.
Recording Technology students must also complete courses in recording technology and MIDI sequencing. The four-semester course sequence in Recording Technology begins with Basic Studio Recording Techniques 1 and 2 (MUS 173 and MUS 174, respectively). These courses will provide the student with the fundamentals of the recording arts, including basic audio signal processing, acoustics theory, digital audio workstation operation, analog and digital recording console operation, microphone design and technique, and multitrack audio production and mixing. The sequence continues with Advanced Recording Studio Techniques 1 and 2 (MUS 273/MUS 274 and MUS 275/MUS 276 respectively). These are private instruction and lab classes that provide the student with an in depth examination of the principles and applications of digital audio in today’s recording and interactive media industries. The private instruction allows students and recording faculty to focus on specific areas of interest to the advanced recording student. Students in the second year of recording classes also progress toward completing the Pro Tools 101 and 110 course requirements as they work toward Pro Tools certification.
In MUS 271 - Basic MIDI Sequencing and MUS 272 - Advanced MIDI Sequencing, students will develop a good basic working knowledge of MIDI hardware and software. MUS 271 students use several sequencing applications to sequence, edit and automate final mixes by sequencing various musical styles. MUS 272 continues to establish more advanced sequencing and mixing skills by focusing on transposition, advanced quantization, audio recording, MIDI editing, looping, controller manipulation, plug-in use and automated mix-down.
AVID Certification
GRCC is a Digidesign sponsored school and we incorporate Digidesign hardware and software plus Digidesign’s official 100-level courseware into our recording technology program.
Digital Audio Specialist Certificate
For those students that are interested in a recording engineering career but lack prior skill in music, we also offer the certificate in digital audio. The certificate requires exactly the same courses in recording and sequencing but only a minimum of music courses.
The Digital Audio Specialist Certificate is approved for Perkins Grant Funding.
Transfer Options after completing the AM in Recording Technology
The Music Department at GRCC understands that many students who are interested in recording technology are also interested in music and entertainment business. Because of this, we recognize the importance for some, of pursuing the Associate of Arts in Music and Entertainment Business. This degree will transfer seamlessly to Ferris State University. After completing the program courses at GRCC, which will normally require three years, students will complete the Bachelor of Science in Music and Entertainment Business at Ferris State University. This will normally require only one additional year. It is strongly recommended that students who are considering entering the Ferris State University program contact the director of the FSU Music and Entertainment Business program as soon as possible.
Email: PaulKwant@ferris.edu; Phone: (231) 591-2408