Music Technology Fundamentals MUSIC – UH 1002

Designed for anyone interested in producing music on the computer using virtual instruments, samples, and transducers. Regardless of style, this course provides an overview of the wide range of tools available to the modern music production. This is an “all-in-one” course for (almost) everything related to music technology, the basics of digital audio, physic of sound, music recording, binaural audio, musical acoustics, signal flow, sound synthesis, music production. Students will also learn the fundamentals of digital audio, studio and location recording, mixing, and MIDI sequencing using Logic Pro X, Pro Tools 12, Ableton Live, music production, and audio programming using Max. Students will also be briefly introduced to a wide range of applications (and careers) in music technology.

Recording & Production Techniques MUSIC – UH 2416

This course aims to help students understand the fundamental principles of engineering, and recording. Students will also learn how to master the SSL console, patchbay routing, signal flow, recording, microphones techniques and placements, how to work with different outboard processors as well the ins and outs of acoustics, harmonic motion, room acoustic through both theoretical study and practical experimentation. Students will gain analytical and professional skills needed for a variety of music production-focused careers including music producer, recording engineer, mix engineer, and more. This course will develop students listening and production skills to enable them to craft a song production using the correct tools and techniques for the job.

Fundamentals of Digital Audio – Pro Tools User Certification MUSIC – UH 2413

Digital audio is the basis for practically every sound recording in the 21st century. During this course, students will acquire an in-depth, theoretical and practical knowledge of the industry standard Pro Tools software working with Music and Post-Production applications through two weekly, lab-based lessons. Each class will be a combination of lecture and immediate application. An emphasis will be placed on getting to know Pro Tools, maximizing workflow, creating sessions, working with media in sessions, audio recording, audio editing, music production, file management techniques, MIDI recording, editing techniques, mixing techniques, shortcuts, backups, and stereo mix-down, surround and post-production applications. Students who complete this course will have the knowledge to take the Pro Tools User Certification Exam. I am certified as an Avid Certified Instructor ACI, and I will be able to facilitate the taking of this exam, which will occur independently from the grade of the course. The Pro Tools User Certification Exam is completely optional. One of the goals of this exam is to attest proficiency with this software; therefore, students that successfully pass it will receive an Avid User Certification, which lately it's been a "requirement" to have in order to apply to any major company in the industry.

Mixing & Mastering Techniques MUSIC – UH 3411

This course provides students with a deeper understanding of mixing and mastering tools and techniques that can be applied to a wide variety of styles from Hollywood soundtracks orchestras, to big bands, to rock, pop, EDM, R&B and metal and more. This course has an in-depth, hands-on examinations of several mix techniques. This course explores the many creative and technical considerations necessary to mix in today's music production environment, regardless of platform or format. This course teaches the different steps of the mixing process, including equalization, panning, dynamic processing (compressors, gates, expanders, and limiters), reverb and delays, as well as automation techniques. For mixing and mastering deliverables students will acquire and advance knowledge on how to mix on an SSL console and as well working with analog equipment combining it with the potentials of the digital domain using Pro Tools HD software. Through weekly critical listening training, analysis of classic recordings, and comparative studies of different styles of mixing, students will learn to identify width and depth, frequency range, dynamics and the different mix approaches used in various musical genres. This class emphasizes hands-on learning where students will have the ability to proficiently use all the equipment in today’s professional studios.

Immersive Audio Storytelling for Motion Picture MUSIC-UH 2418

Sound lends depth and expands space to the two-dimensional image on screen, while locating us within the scene. A crucial difference between visual and aural manipulation of the audience is that even sophisticated audiences rarely Syllabus Proposal - Matteo Marciano notice the soundtrack. Sounds can speak to us emotionally and subconsciously put us in touch with a character. The course Immersive Audio Storytelling for Motion Picture focuses on the importance of audio as a narrative medium in film. Students study how audio creation, manipulation, restoration, and mixing can go beyond the simple techniques of sound design to profoundly alter the cinematic experience. Students learn the complicated practice of making sound for multichannel in surround, downmix, and audio restoration using Izotpe RX, all as applied to international loudness standards and deliverables. Working with Pro Tools as a creative medium, students practice non-linear content, editing to Timecode SMPTE, working in conjunction with the AVID S6 mixing board. Creativity and technology work in tandem in this class to create the emotional sound narrative for Film. The aim of this course is to give students numerous opportunities to apply creative techniques learnt in class to make films, from capstone projects to films nominated for international film festivals.

PREVIOUS TAUGHT

Musical Acoustic MUSIC – UH 2411

This course is an introduction to the science of Musical Acoustic and it will expose students to the fundamentals of audio engineering, audio, spectral analysis and harmonic series, vibrations and resonance, the science behind musical instruments, the human voice, hearing perception and concert hall acoustics. Digital sound editing will be introduced as a tool for understanding waveforms and spectral analysis. Acoustic plays a major role in the success of any musical performance, whether it’s in a recording studio, concert hall, or outdoors. Students will improve their editing and mixing environment by learning the “ins and outs” of acoustics.

Private Instructions Electric Bass MUSIC – UH 2251

This one-on-one course is designed for students wishing to develop their skills in electric bass performance. Students are assigned appropriate repertoire at the start of the semester. The interpretation and execution of this material is refined during lessons and reinforced by regular practice during the week. Interpretive matters are shaped by discussion of historical, stylistic, philosophical, and technical considerations. Students will display their work on a music program concert at the end of the semester.

AUD 201 Technology of Mixing Theory

A study of the techniques and technologies involved in delivering a professional mix. Construction methods and practices are discussed. Signal flow through consoles is discussed as well as gain management. Topics include Why We Mix, Dynamics, and EQ.

AUD 203 Music Mixing I Lab

An applied learning class on the basics of mixing. Students will develop the skills learned in previous coursework around the parameters used in various devices and begin to apply them to sound. Students will use a DAW to delve in to the effects of EQ, compression, and other tools and how they aurally and visually represent as they are manipulated. Topics include using EQ, using compression, bouncing tracks, and production mixes.

AUD 204 Music Mixing II Lab

An applied learning class which continues to delve into the art of mixing. Students will combine skills previously learned and add special effects processing to increase the aural excitement of their presentations. Students will use a DAW to combine their technical and creative skills to produces mixes suitable for their personal demo reels. Topics include side-chaining and sub-mixing, rhythmic delays, amp simulators, and demo reel production.