Music Production Program

ABL1101 Ableton Live

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

Explores the unique traits of Ableton Live and its non-linear approach to music production. Projects and

lessons include how to create, open, and save projects, use hot keys, import, edit, and warp audio, work

with MIDI clips, understand the session view and the arrangement view windows, manipulate software

instrument tracks and synths, route dynamic and time-based effects, quantize, and employ the groove

pool. Advanced Ableton Live production techniques, including clip envelopes, Max4Live, arrangement

tools, and utilize Ableton’s automation, mixing and mastering tools.

MTH1112 Music Theory I

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

Introduction to the basic concepts of music theory and its applications in songwriting and music

creation. Topics include Time signatures, rhythms, major scale formulas, intervals, chords and their

function, harmonic analysis and melodic function in music theory.

EAR1111 Ear Training I

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

Functional and philosophical ear training. Investigates basic ear training techniques to help students

understand what they are hearing both technically and critically. Practical exercises unlock nuances in

the ear-mind connection, empowering students to better understand what they hear and to apply this

knowledge towards the development of better music. Engaged weekly in-class transcriptions exercises

help solidify this connection through active repetition each week.

SYN1111 Synthesis I

1 Credit Hour / 11 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

A step-by-step approach to understanding the basics of subtractive synthesis and its components.

Course work includes an exploration of waveforms, oscillators, filters, Low Frequency Oscillators (LFO),

modulation, envelopes, and waveform parameters.

STT1111 Studio Techniques I

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

An exploration of the principles of digital recording and the best practices of professional music

production. Presentations and exercises include microphone selection and placement, signal

processing, recording, mixing, and editing. Includes an introduction to Pro Tools as a recording platform.

GTH1111 Groove Theory I

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

The first level of this interactive course engages students in learning rhythmic concepts, counting meter,

subdivisions, and basic grooves through hand percussion instruction. A core component of each

student’s foundation in musical knowledge and ability, this course covers fundamentals of playing hand

percussion instruments, playing in time, and a study of the evolution of groove through the centuries

spanning afro-cuban roots and it’s evolution into contemporary drum and percussion grooves.

PSP1100 Plugins & Signal Processing

1 Credit Hour / 20 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

Introduction to digital signal processing tools and techniques. Designed to demonstrate the functionality

and purpose of a wide variety of commonly used tools for audio processing. Diving deep into the

parameters of dynamic and real time tools for better control and sound sonic representation. Lab

practices designed around compression, equalization, reverb, delay, saturation and corrective tools.

KTL1111 Keyboard Techniques Lab I

1 Credit Hour / 20 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

Introduction to the basic concepts of the playing the piano keyboard. Topics include motor skills, major

and minor scales, chords, inversions, and playing 2-handed.

MNT1111 Studio Mentor I

2 Credit Hours / 10 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

A weekly in-studio mentoring session with a professional producer. Mentors provide guidance in the

production of the student’s original music and monitor the student’s progress in other courses, providing

assistance and tutoring where needed. The Studio Mentor courses provide a constant source of support

to help ensure academic success. 

MTH1222 Music Theory II

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Music Theory I

A continuation of the concepts of music theory and its applications in music creation. Topics include basslines & slash chords, transcription, cadences, voicing and extensions, introduction to modes, borrowed chords, and secondary chords.

EAR1221 Ear Training II

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Ear Training I

Expands on the technical and critical ear training techniques. Practical exercises in identifying frequencies added or removed from noise, frequency ranges and how content works within these ranges, pitch and tuning. Coursework includes solfege with major intervals and minor intervals.

SYN1221 Synthesis II

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Synthesis I

Intermediate synthesis concepts. Topics include Frequency Modulation (FM), physical modeling, sampling, wavetables, history of synthesizers and subtractive/additive sound design. Coursework surveys contemporary professional software synthesizers Serum, Massive, FM8, Sylenth, Nerve, Addictive Drums, and various Kontakt libraries.

DJF1200 DJ Fundamentals

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

A foundational course designed to bridge the gap between the practical DJ skills of our students and the celebrated expertise of our alumni. The course dives into key areas such as Music Theory for DJs, Basic Mixing Techniques, Building a DJ Set, Promotion, and Gigging - providing a comprehensive learning experience for aspiring DJs.

STT1221 Studio Techniques II

1 Credit Hour1 / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

Introduction to the process of tracking and recording vocals, drums, and instruments. Included is a review of hardware and microphones along with microphone placement techniques. Topics include studio design and acoustic principles, and how they apply to the working and mixing environment. Course material is also hands-on in a recording studio working with studio musicians, recording and putting into practice the topics learned on the theory side. Includes additional Pro Tools coursework which supplements material with practical recording techniques.

GTH1221 Groove Theory II

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Groove Theory I

The second installment of this course continues to expose students to more complex groove patterns, polyrhythms, and ensemble playing experiences. Additionally, learned groove styles are applied to song production techniques in the DAW. Recording, extracting grooves, and manipulating audio all combine in project-based assignments throughout the class.

PRO1200 Production Techniques

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

Intermediate signal processing concepts.- Introduction to digital signal processing tools and techniques. Designed to demonstrate the functionality and purpose of a wide variety of commonly used tools for audio processing. Diving deep into the parameters of dynamic and real time tools for better control and sound sonic representation. Lab practices designed around compression, equalization, reverb, delay, saturation and corrective tools.

KTL1221 Keyboard Techniques Lab II

1 Credit Hour / 20 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Keyboard Techniques Lab I

A continuation of weekly tasks aimed at improving the familiarity with the piano keyboard. Coursework topics include harmonic and non-harmonic tones including suspensions, anticipations, passing and neighboring tones, as well as expanding harmonic progressions into more complex and compelling extended musical passages. Lessons designed to utilize techniques for finger dexterity, hand placement, accuracy, and timing.

MNT1221 Studio Mentor II

2 Credit Hours / 10 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level 1 Courses

A weekly in-studio mentoring session with a professional producer. Mentors provide guidance in the production of the student’s original music and monitor the student’s progress in other courses, providing assistance and tutoring where needed. The Studio Mentor courses provide a constant source of support to help ensure academic success.

MTH1332 Music Theory III

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Music Theory II

This course is designed to give a greater understanding of melody, composition of melody and its relationship to harmony, as well as the basics of counterpoint. Students are given tools to use in creating different types of emotion, as well as transcribing and analyzing existing music.

CLB1311 Collaboration Sessions

2 Credit Hours / 14 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level Two courses

Intro course to collaboration with other writers and producers. Students are provided with objectives and guidelines to create music collaboratively in real-world writing and production sessions. They will learn to establish a workflow, delegate tasks, and deliver song projects on time.

MTX1311 Mixing Techniques I

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

Designed to equip students with essential mixing fundamentals, ensuring they are well-prepared for collaborative projects and advanced coursework. This course introduces students to critical aspects of audio mixing, focusing on practical skills and techniques that can be applied across various musical genres.

SNG1311 Songwriting I

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level 2 courses

Examines the core components that make up great songs. Songwriting is examined and demystified as both a career and a process. Instills a greater command of writing lyrics, melodies, and hooks, writing for vocalists, and the collaborative songwriting process. Coursework includes topics such as chord progressions, melody structure, and rhythmic shifts.

STT1331 Studio Techniques III

1 Credit Hour / 20 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Studio Techniques II

Designed to help students refine their production techniques. Explores the world of recording physical instruments and how acoustic recordings can be integrated and/or resampled into all styles of music, creating diversity, depth, and a fresh approach to music production. Students will create unique, proprietary samples from recordings captured in recording sessions with musicians and manipulate the content recorded over the length of the course. Includes additional coursework with Pro Tools on multitrack live recording techniques and concepts.

LYM1310 Lyrics and Melodies

1 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course is dedicated to the nuanced art of lyric writing. Designed to run concurrently with "Songwriting I" in Level 3, it aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of lyricism. This knowledge will enhance their overall melody creation skills in songwriting.

TAM1311 The Artist Mindset

1 Credit Hour / 11 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level 2 courses

Introduction to techniques used to tap into an artist’s creative potential and talent. Students learn how to overcome writer’s block and continue the flow of creativity throughout the process of developing their music. Discussions focus on critical analysis and overcoming fear, trusting their creative intuitions, developing exercises to maintain inspiration, and learning to apply discipline, dedication, and faith in the development of a unique artistic path.

WRL1311 Writing Lab I

1 Credit Hour / 10 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level 2 courses

This lab will serve students with writing prompts weekly which they will then execute in real time. Exercises include lyric writing, chord progression writing, as well as melody, groove, bassline, and sound construction. Focus is applied to the benefits of regular practice and repetition.

MNT1331 Studio Mentor III

2 Credit Hours / 10 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level 2 courses

A weekly in-studio mentoring session with a professional producer. Mentors provide guidance in the production of the student’s original music and monitor the student’s progress in other courses, providing assistance and tutoring where needed. The Studio Mentor courses provide a constant source of support to help ensure academic success.

CSD1400 Creative Sound Design

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level Three courses

A dynamic course expands the synthesis curriculum with a comprehensive audio approach to sound design. It sparks creativity and originality, guiding students towards developing innovative sound design techniques with foley and sampling, creative processing, vocal manipulation, and unique sound development. This course will encourage students to develop unique sounds for their productions and collaborative projects, including the Collaboration EP.

MTX1420 Mixing Techniques II

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level Three courses

Establishes a continued foundation of mixing and mastering concepts that creates mixes that are rich in dynamics and tonally balanced in space and depth. Coursework includes techniques in the use of sonic coloring tools, dynamic processors, real-time effects, imaging techniques and overall mix integrity. Includes additional Pro Tools coursework in mixing, gain staging and mastering.

CLB1421 The Collaboration Project

2 Credit Hours / 14 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level Three courses

Capstone course focusing on how to work successfully in teams and overcome obstacles to produce a musical project. Students are provided with objectives and milestones to create a 3 song EP in a collaborative effort. Topics include song creation, writing sessions, sound design, branding, recording, mixing, and mastering.

LSP1400Live Set Performance

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Groove Theory II

The final level of this series has students continue to refine and develop rhythmic concepts into their productions but now opens up the power of Ableton Live for performance opportunities. Students will use Live’s extensive MIDI-mapping capabilities to set up and perform a compelling original performance piece for the final. Additional topics include clip envelopes, follow actions, and custom effect racks for live performance purposes.

EAD1400 Elements of Artist Development

1 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level Three courses

This comprehensive course equips students with fundamental knowledge in branding, artist development, and visual design. Students will analyze real-world examples of successful artist development and branding to grasp effective strategies and best practices. Additionally, they will learn to use Photoshop and other visual design tools, helping them to create professional-grade graphics and visuals.

SNG1421 Songwriting II

2 Credit Hours / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: Songwriting I

Advanced lyric and songwriting concepts. Classwork focuses on writing vocal harmonies, re- harmonizing existing melodies, developing hooks, rhythmic melodies, writing songs for others, demo recording of songwriting and fundamental principles of vocal arrangements.

BIZ1411 Music Business I

2 Credit Hour / 22 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level 3 courses

Establishes a foundation of general business practices for music industry entrepreneurs. Coursework includes how to navigate the entertainment industry, protect their intellectual property, and function within the ever-evolving music industry.

MNT1441 Studio Mentor IV

2 Credit Hours / 10 Clock Hours

Prerequisites: All Level 3 courses

A weekly in-studio mentoring session with a professional producer. Mentors provide guidance in the production of the student’s original music and monitor the student’s progress in other courses, providing assistance and tutoring where needed. The Studio Mentor courses provide a constant source of support to help ensure academic success.