Courses in Music Recording Technology
MRT 177.
Survey of the Recording Industry.
An introductory overview of the music industry, focusing on the field of recording engineering. 1 credit.
MRT 277.
Recording Engineering I.
Fundamentals of the recording arts including basic audio signal and acoustics theory, recording consoles, microphone design and technique, and signal processing. Students work in on-campus studios to complete lab assignments and projects. Prerequisite: PHY 102 or permission. 3 credits.
MRT 278.
Recording Engineering II.
Multitrack studio production techniques are developed through class discussion, demonstration, and project assignments. Theory and application of MIDI technology and its integration into music production is emphasized. Students use the studios for assignments and individual projects. Prerequisite: MRT 277. 3 credits.
MRT 279.
Tonmeister Recording.
This course immerses students into the European tradition of Tonmeister engineering methods. This approach emphasizes an awareness of acoustics, musical genres, and methods of on-location recording in order to effectively capture an acoustic performance in a concert hall. 1 credit.
MRT 373.
Electronic Music.
An in-depth look at the history, use and development of electronic music. Emphasis in MIDI, sequencing, transcription, sound design, synthesis techniques, sampling and studio production integration. Prerequisite: MRT 278 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
MRT 374.
Digital Audio.
An in-depth examination of the principles and applications of digital audio in today's recording and interactive media industries. Topics discussed include: digital audio fundamentals, recording and reproduction systems theory, computer-based recording and editing, and audio for CD-ROM; and other new media applications. Prerequisite: MRT 278 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
MRT 377.
Recording Engineering III.
This 3rd course in the recording engineering sequence focuses on critical listening and mastering. Student engineers will develop a musical, artistic, and technical awareness of issues involved in mastering projects for commercial release. Prerequisite: MRT 278, MRT majors only. 3 credits.
MRT 400.
Internship.
Practical on-the-job experience provides studens insight, exposure, and experience in an area of interest within the music/interactive media industry. Prerequisites: MRT 382 and permission of the program director. 3 credits. The internship can be taken either in the last semester, in the summer between junior and senior years, or full- time in the last semester for 12 credits. A full- time internship, if all other course work is completed, allows students to relocate for the term.
MRT 474.
Music Production Seminar.
Advanced issues of music production are discussed and practiced. These include musicality, client relations, engineering, budgets, etc. An individual emphasis is provided to help the student focus on these technical, artistic, organizational and personal aspects. The course centers around completion of a major project. Prerequisite: MRT 374 or permission of instructor. 2 credits.
MRT 490.
Special Topics.
An exploration of the sonic fringes of music. Subjects covered include electronic music history, theory, circuit bending, non-traditional instrumentation, avant-garde, composition, and performance. Works ranging from composers Stockhausen to Yoko Ono will be analyzed. An ensemble will be created culminating with a capstone live performance of the created works. Prerequisites: MRT 373 Electronic Music and MRT 374 Digital Audio or permission of instructor. An interview/audition is required. 3 credits.