Music and Sound Recording
Music and Sound Recording - Undergraduate Courses
MSR 201 Recording Fundamentals (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: PH 100 or PH 150. A study of the fundamentals of sound recording technique and methodology: acoustics, basic electronics, the decibel, magnetism, microphones, microphone placement, tape recorders, tape formats, mixers, signal processing and monitoring systems. This course also emphasizes the importance of sound aesthetics and ethics in the sound recording process. 3 credit hours.
MSR 202 Introduction to Digital Audio and Digital Audio Workstations (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 201. A one-semester introduction to digital audio concepts, equipment, and practices including sample rates, bit depth, file formats, Nyquist theorem, dither, computers, memory and hard drive formats, interfaces, converters, and clocking technology. The course will also include introductions to industry standard software digital audio workstation platforms such as ProTools, Logic, Propellerhead Record, Ableton Live, Reaper, Digital Performer, Cubase, etc, and how the aforementioned digital audio concepts are intergrated into each software platform. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
MSR 211 Studio Recording I (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 201. Two semester course in the technique and methodology of multitrack studio and live recording. Includes detailed study of multiple tracking, mixing consoles, microphones, tape recorders, signal processors, studio procedures, sound synthesis, MIDI and digital audio. Also emphasizes the use of computers in the recording studio. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
MSR 311 Studio Recording II (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 211. Two semester course in the technique and methodology of multitrack studio and live recording. Includes detailed study of multiple tracking, mixing consoles, microphones, tape recorders, signal processors, studio procedures, sound synthesis, MIDI and digital audio. Also emphasizes the use of computers in the recording studio. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
MSR 321 Sound Synthesis/MIDI (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 201. A study of the use of synthesizers, drum machines, sound modules and computers in the recording studio. Using a combination of lecture/demonstrations as well as lab hours, students will explore the physics of sound, sound synthesis, instrument control, Musical Instruments Digital Interface (MIDI) and computers. Special emphasis will be placed on current sequencing, notation and printing software. 3 credit hours.
MSR 322 Advanced Recording I (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 311. Each student will complete a professional quality recording production or research and development project. Work may consist of internship or Co-op experience in a professional recording studio. Seminar will also include presentations on areas of professional interest such as career opportunities and new development in studio technique and technology. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
MSR 331 Live Sound (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 211. A one-semester introduction to live sound production and its concepts with practical application including sound system design, connectivity, options, digital and analog front of house consoles, monitor consoles, digital snakes, crossover networks, speaker systems, line arrays, setup, teardown, and troubleshooting. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
MSR 332 Music Production (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 311 or permission of the instructor. A team-taught study of the art of record production including hands-on guidance from both a professional producer and engineer. This course will function as an exploration of the dynamic nexus of aesthetics and technology in music recording as personified and actualized by the engineer and producer and its impact on the art form. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
MSR 335 Sound Systems Design and Maintenance (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 311. This course covers the basics of sound system troubleshooting and maintenance. Topics include sound systems, the decibel, reading specs and diagrams, basic electronics, cabling, and test equipment. 3 credit hours.
MSR 401 Advanced Recording II (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: MSR 322. Each student will complete a professional quality recording production or research and development project. Work may consist of internship or Co-op experience in a professional recording studio. Seminar will also include presentations on areas of professional interest such as career opportunities and new development in studio technique and technology. Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.
MSR 450-459 Special Topics (back to previous page)
Study of selected topics of special or current interest in music and sound recording. 3 credit hours.
MSR 599 Independent Study(back to previous page)
Opportunity for the student under the direction of a faculty member to explore an area of personal interest. This course must be initiated by the student. 1-3 credit hours per semester with a maximum of 12 hours.