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 out 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? Find out here.
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:
Required 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
One of:
MAS 102 Pre-Calculus| A review of precalculus mathematics including algebra and trigonometry. |
| A calculus sequence covering functions, limits, differentiation, integration and applications. |