Music Recording Technology Program
Liberal Arts Based...Professionally Oriented
There are lots of different types of recording programs around the country, so why consider LVC?
We offer a curriculum that combines three primary areas of
study: general education, music, and recording technology. What makes
this work so well? Because in spite of your interest in becoming a
recording engineer, you really don't know what you'll end up doing in 5,
10, even 20 years down the road. An investment in a broad-based
education that is grounded in real life will do more for you than other
technically oriented programs.
Real World Audio Education
As a freshman, you’ll start learning the ropes as an assistant engineer, then move up to begin developing as a recording engineer during your sophomore year. Junior year puts you first in the mastering engineer’s chair, then unleashes your creative instincts as a composer and designer using MIDI, synthesis, and software to produce audio for such applications as live performance, composition, and posting to video. Find out what’s involved in designing, installing, and troubleshooting audio systems for recording studios and live reinforcement systems. Ever want to design your own studio? You will, learning how an architectural acoustician approaches the design of a new facility or improvement of an existing room. Assume the role as producer and engineer as you develop a capstone project working with an off-campus “client.” Finally, step into the real world as you intern for a company you choose, gaining invaluable experience and networking contacts. Along the way you’ll learn more about the industry and see different options you might be interested in pursuing after graduation.
What Exactly Will I Study?
The degree is a bachelor of music with emphasis in music recording technology. In addition to a significant general education experience, you will primarily study traditional music courses which include theory, history, conducting, private lessons, and performance. On top of all this is a comprehensive range of courses in various aspects of recording and music technology. You'll learn the fundamentals of analog and digital audio recording systems with extensive hands-on experiences in our three major studios. Our two student professional organizations, focusing on audio engineering (AES) and business (MISA), provide lots of additional opportunities to learn about and participate in the industry.
How Do I Get In?
Our program is a professional degree in music, so you must be a
trained musician and successfully pass a performance and ear training
audition. Your music teacher or private lessons instructor should know
how to guide you to prepare for this. Yes, you must be able to read music, sightread, and know basic theory. If you don't have this background, you have two options: find a teacher to help you learn or look at other schools. If you decide to audition, understand that there are two components for
acceptance: by the College and by the Department of Music.
Common Questions about the Program: Read here.
Want to See our Studios? Go here.
Why Choose LVC?
Printable PDF: Complete degree requirements
Printable PDF: 4-year outline
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Music: emphasis in music recording technology
Music Recording Technology students must complete the Core Music Major classes plus:
Core courses:
*
MSC 099 Recital Attendance| Designed for music majors and minors and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Music core course. Graded pass/fail. May be repeated. 0 credits. |
| A study of the rudiments of music and their notation. Harmonization of melodies and basses with fundamental triads. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: audition for admission or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of diatonic tonal harmony, including all triads and seventh chords, nonharmonic material and elementary modulation. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 115 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| The singing and aural recognition of intervals, scales, triads and simple harmonic progressions. Music core course. Prerequisite: audition for admission or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A continuation of MSC 117, emphasizing clef reading, modality, modulation and more complicated rhythmic devices and harmonic patterns. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 117 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of chromatic tonal harmony, including secondary dominants, augmented sixth chords, tertian extensions, altered chords and advanced modulation. Aspects of form and analysis. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 116 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A study of 20th-century compositional techniques, including modal and whole-tone materials, quartal harmony, polychords, atonality, serialism and various rhythmic and metric procedures. Aspects of form and analysis. Prerequisite: MSC 215 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A continuation of MSC 118, emphasizing chromatic materials and more complex modulations, chord types, rhythms and meters. Music core course. Prerequisite: MSC 118 or permission of the instructor. 2 credits. |
| A survey course in the history of Western music (in the context of world musics of various cultures), with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples, from early music through the Baroque era. Music core course. 3 credits. |
| A survey course in the history of Western music (in the context of world musics of various cultures), with emphasis on stylistic developments and illustrative musical examples, from the classical period to the present. Music core course. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 5 (Literature and Fine Art). 3 credits. |
| Principles of conducting and baton technique. Students conduct ensembles derived from class personnel. Music core course. 2 credits. |
*
MSC 530 Individual Instruction| Voice, Piano, Orchestral and Band Instruments; Jazz studies; theory; composition. Additional fees apply. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment restricted to music majors and minors or by permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
*Taken each semester.
Majors will exhibit proficiency at the piano and in voice. To achieve these proficiencies, students must take the following:
MSC 510 Class Piano Instruction I| First course in the sequence designed for music majors with minimal piano skills in preparing for piano proficiency. 1 credit. |
| Second course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 510 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Third course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 511 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Fourth course in the sequence designed for music majors in preparing for piano proficiency. Prerequisite: MSC 512 with a minimum of "C-" or better, or permission of the instructor. 1 credit. |
| Designed for music majors with minimal vocal skills. Preparation for department voice proficiency requirements. 1 credit. |
| The principal band experience during the fall semester open to all students based on prior experience. Performs for home football games and selected invitationals. Practical lab experience for music education majors. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| The principal band experience during the spring semester, open to all students by audition. The Symphonic Band performs original literature and arrangements of standard repertoire. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Various symphonic literature is studied and performed. In the second semester the orchestra accompanies soloists in a concerto-aria concert and on occasion combines with choral organizations for the performance of a major work. Open to all students by audition. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Open to all students by audition, the Concert Choir performs all types of choral literature. In addition to local concerts, the Choir tours annually. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
| Open to all students. The College Choir performs all types of choral literature. Satisfies large ensemble requirement. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of music ensembles may be counted toward the degree). 1 credit. |
Required music recording technology courses:
MBS 371 Intro. to the Music Business| This course examines how the music business operates, delving into a wide range of issues and areas, such as publishing, record labels, retail, distribution, market research, agents and managers, and current issues in the industry. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. 3 credits. |
| So you want to be a recording engineer? This class will help you decide. We'll show you the big picture of the industry while offering insights into various career opportunities. You'll also learn what it takes to be an assistant engineer in the studio, observing and helping with recording sessions throughout the semester. 1 credit. |
| The only way to learn engineering and studio production is to dive in and see how it works. You'll engineer tracking and mixing projects as you learn the fundamentals of recording systems - concepts and techniques of console operation, signal flow, session procedures, and signal processors. Prerequisite: PHY 102 or permission. 3 credits. |
| This semester we dig deeper and work on more complex console operations and studio production techniques. You'll learn more about microphone design and technique, signal processing, and audio theory. Got ears? You'll continue developing critical listening skills that are crucial for audio engineers. Prerequisite: MRT 277. 3 credits. |
| This course is an exploration of electronic music. Subjects covered include: the appreciation and knowledge of electronic music pioneers, MIDI composition, MIDI theory, sound design, synthesis, sampling, sound for video, and studio production integration. Primary software taught is Avid Pro Tools Corequisite: MRT 374. Prerequisite: MRT 278. 3 credits. |
| This course is an exploration of digital audio technologies. Subjects covered include: audio in the digital domain, digital theory, recording applications, audio editing, mixing, and an appreciation of pioneers in digital audio production. Primary software taught is Avid Pro Tools Corequisite: MRT 373. Prerequisites: MRT 278. 3 credits. |
| A mastering engineer takes a completed mix project and tweaks it to perfection using very sophisticated signal processing and a highly developed critical ear. Learn the techniques from a professional mastering engineer who will guide you through the process of learning how to apply the tools while developing your listening skills. Prerequisite: MRT 278. 3 credits. |
| How do you record an orchestra, or choral ensemble, or string quartet? The Tonmeister approach emphasizes engineering and musical skills by considering room acoustics, musical genres, microphone technique, and methods for on-location recording in order to effectively capture an acoustic performance in a concert hall. Prerequisite: MRT 278. 1 credit. |
| All MRT majors complete an internship with a company focused in the audio/recording industry. Internships can be taken after completing all junior level class requirements. Internships are offered the senior spring semester or the summer before the senior year. If all coursework is completed, a 12-credit, full-time internship can be pursued, allowing students to relocate for the term. May be repeated for credit (up to 12 credits of internship may be counted toward the degree). Prerequisites: All junior level MRT degree classes, and approval of the internship director and advisor. 3-12 credits. |
| Audio recording is not possible without an appropriate acoustic environment. We'll investigate the various issues and options involved whether you're improving an existing space or planning new construction. You'll learn how to diagnose the acoustics of a room and design solutions - and we'll start by looking at our own buildings around campus. The final project is a complete design for a studio facility you just might build someday. Prerequisite: MRT 373 and 374, or by permission of the instructor. 3 credits. |
| In this capstone course you will apply everything you've learned to produce a quality recording for an off-campus "client". You'll wear the hats of producer and chief engineer as you learn new techniques, refine the ones you already know, and deal with issues such as musicality, client relations, engineering, organization, and time constraints. Guided by a professional engineer with extensive experience, this course allows you to pull out all the stops to see what you can do. Prerequisite: MRT 373 and 374, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics and atomic and nuclear structure with laboratory work in each area. Emphasis and applications appropriate for music recording technology majors. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: PHY 101L. 3 credits. |
| A continuation of the introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure with laboratory work in each area. Emphasis and applications appropriate for music recording technology majors. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: PHY 101/L or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 102L. 3 credits. |
| The physics of electrons and electronic devices, including diodes, transistors, power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, switching circuits, and integrated circuits, with laboratory work in each area. Prerequisite: PHY 102/L,104/L or 112/L, or permission. Corequisite: PHY 212L. 3 credits. |
| Somebody has to design, install, and maintain the complex audio systems used in the industry. You'll learn about system design for sound reinforcement, cabling and interfacing for recording studios, basic troubleshooting and electronics, tests and measurements, and other behind-the-gear issues. Prerequisite: PHY 212 and MRT 278. 3 credits. |
One of:
MAS 102 Pre-Calculus| A review of precalculus mathematics including algebra and trigonometry. A student may not receive credit for this course after completing MAS 111, 161, or the equivalent. 3 credits. |
| A calculus sequence covering functions, limits, differentiation, integration and applications. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). 3 credits. |