01
Overview
Studio-craft from first idea to finished master: DAW fluency, synthesis, sampling, arranging, mixing and acoustics. Taught through weekly production assignments with critique on real finished tracks.
02
Aims of the Course
- Operate a DAW at professional workflow speed
- Design sounds through synthesis and sampling
- Arrange productions with clear energy and space
- Mix and master to commercial loudness standards
03
Course Structure
01
Studio and Signal Flow
- DAW setup and templates
- Signal flow, gain staging and headroom
- Microphones and preamps
- Monitoring and room acoustics
02
Sound Design
- Subtractive and FM synthesis
- Sampling and resampling
- Drum programming and groove
- Texture, noise and processing
03
Arrangement
- Building energy and tension
- Frequency space allocation
- Layering and contrast
- Editing and comping
04
Mixing
- Balance and bus structure
- EQ and compression in context
- Reverb, delay and depth
- Automation and movement
05
Mastering and Delivery
- Loudness standards and metering
- Limiting and final polish
- Stem delivery and formats
- Release and distribution specs
06
Client and Project Work
- Brief interpretation
- Revision cycles and feedback
- Session documentation and backups
- Portfolio of three finished tracks
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Build a track from empty session to master
- 02Design original sounds through synthesis and sampling
- 03Mix a multi-track session with controlled dynamics
- 04Master to a specified loudness target
- 05Deliver stems and masters to a client brief
05
Assessment
- Three finished productions
- Mix revision case study
- Written studio theory paper
06
Entry Requirements
- Open access
- A computer capable of running a DAW
07
Progression and Careers
- Music producer
- Recording or mix engineer
- Sound designer