• Commercial Music & Studio Recording

    The music industry is a multi-billion dollar economic engine for a worldwide market. It is our belief that this industry would benefit enormously from the influx of skilled, educated musicians. The Commercial Music program at Dillard Center For The Arts is designed to prepare students for a career in the music industry. The curriculum includes MIDI, audio recording and production, training in Logic Pro, ProTools and basic studio recording techniques. The program also includes study in courses related to marketing and legal issues, in order to provide the students with insight as to how to properly protect, market, and monetize their creative intellectual works.

     

    Courses

    RECORDING STUDIO TECHNIQUES - This is an introductory course designed to explore the fundamentals of electronic, computer generated, and synthesized music. This course deals with cutting edge technology as well as a working knowledge of the development of modern electronics. Topics include fundamental acoustics, live sound production, computer music (notation, sequencing and accompaniment), multitrack recording, synthesizers and MIDI. Critical listening is also incorporated to identify multiple techniques of music production.
    PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval.

    AUDIO ENGINEERING/PRODUCTION - This course is designed for the career oriented music technology student. Advanced concepts are covered in the areas of acoustics, recording studio design, digital multitrack recording, computer music, digital audio editing and multimedia authoring. The focus of evaluation is project oriented, showing proficiency and manipulation of equipment.
    PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval.

    DIGITAL AUDIO PRODUCTION - This course is designed for the career oriented music technology student. Highly specialized concepts are covered in the areas of acoustics, recording studio design, digital multitrack recording, computer music, digital audio editing and multimedia authoring. There will be an emphasis on Digital Audio production utilizing professional DAW systems such as Avid Protools and Logic Pro. The focus of evaluation is project oriented.
    PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval.
    Note: In addition to class meetings, each student is expected to schedule regular individual hands-on time in the recording studio.

    MUSIC MARKETING - A comprehensive study of the mass communication options available for the implementation of creative ideas involving artist and product development. The course is useful for the entrepreneur, corporate executive, creative production person, and business strategy person focusing on consumer research, business relationships, and the effect media has on creativity and results. It also assists students in preparing for extended career/graduate study options.
    PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval.

    MUSIC BUSINESS - An overview of business and legal issues of special concern to musicians and songwriters, with special emphasis on copyright law, recording and music publishing contracts, and relationships between artists and other parties, including managers, producers, and investors.
    PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval.

    PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT - Portfolio Development provides advanced level commercial music students a visual and aural representation of their most relevant skills and experiences, while charting their creative growth. The portfolio will contain various projects that the student has worked on throughout their high school career ranging from creative work at the pre-production stage to projects fully mixed, mastered and duplicated. The portfolio will be a valuable tool that the student will be able to use for scholarship auditions, trade school interviews, as well as intern or professional opportunities in the music industry.
    PREREQUISITE: Instructor’s approval.