Songs in the Key of Chicago

Railroad Tracks Music Academy

Course Description:

In Songs in the Key of Chicago, students study the process and theories of producing and recording music commercially. The students are directed through the step-by-step process of production, songwriting and recording, creating a high-quality demo from scratch with each student contributing at every aspect of the process throughout the course.

Course Rationale:

The course is intended for students interested in careers in music production, students who would like to work for record labels as A&R or in management and feel the need to understand the inner workings of the studio and production process to more effectively communicate with musicians, and for student musicians who would like a better understanding of the studio environment to improve the quality of their own future projects. Additionally, students are exposed to pre-recorded recordings and through analysis, develop critical listening skills necessary for success in this field. Further applications of basic music theory are also emphasized.

Students will learn:

1. Understanding of components within a Pro Tools and Logic Pro X digital audio workstation.

2. Understanding of editing and signal processing and express these functions to a recording engineer.

3. Quickly maneuver through software-based recording systems.

4. Develop money saving techniques for use in record production.

5. Use specialized software plug-ins such as Auto Tune, Waves and Universal Audio Digital.

6. Communicate critical thought about recording session concepts through the written word.

7. Use basic functions of a digital control surface.

8. Understanding of the different song structures and formats

9. How to work collaboratively with peers and communication skills

10. Different microphones, pickup patterns and recording techniques

Students leave the course with:

1. A better understanding of what all goes into professionally recorded music

2. The knowledge of music production and recording to continue practicing their craft if desired

3. Demo compilation of all materials worked on

4. All students will create a portfolio of all the works they participated in

5. Certificate of completion

Supplies Required for Course:

1. 32 GB or higher flash drive for storage

2. Virtual Storage Account (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)

3. 100GB or more external hard drive (optional)

Goals and Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the class the student will:

• Be able to prepare an artist and his/her music for the recording process

• Be able to communicate effectively with artists, musicians, engineers, producers and other studio personnel to produce a viable recorded project in a studio environment

• Improve his/her critical listening skills through of a wide range of listening material

• Become familiar with the various tools of the recording studio.

• Be able to function independently on a DAW to record and mix music

• Understand basic music theory and how it applies to songs and songwriting

• Understand the producer’s need for a variety of signal processors and be able to route audio to and from them

• Understand how microphones function as another vital tool for the producer; be able to differentiate among different types, and have a good understanding of choice and placement techniques for a variety of sound sources

• Understand the differences between Pro Tools and Logic Pro X

• Leave with a portfolio of music that they either produced, performed or recorded

• Work collaboratively with peers and take and give feedback as constructive criticism

EARLY SIGNUP IS SUGGESTED BECAUSE SPACE IS LIMITED!!!!!

Host or Publisher Railroad Tracks Music Academy