Audio Production and Engineering

High School Course of Study

Music Theory (required)

The first course in the Music Theory program concentrates on the basic concepts of musical notation, rhythm, scales, form and the application of these concepts. The basic principles of music literacy and construction are covered. Students are also introduced to ear training through sight singing and rhythmic drills and dictations.

Music Theory II (required)

The second course in the Music Theory program concentrates on the development of diatonic melody and harmony using practical exercises. Topics such as key signatures, diatonic chords, circle of 5ths, and all 12 major scales are covered. Students participate in sight-singing and ear training exercises, dictation exercises, and composition exercises.

Music Theory III (required)

The third course in the Music Theory program combine their understanding of scales, melody, harmony, and chord progressions in the context of tonal music. Students will become fluent in the use of triads and seventh chords in all inversions, and they will begin applying these concepts through composition analysis. This course also covers chromatic harmony with a means to develop a richer harmonic understanding through various musical contexts. Students will continue to train rhythmically by means of clapping exercises, rhythmic dictation, and listening examples.

HS Music History (open to students that have completed and passed Theory III) This course is designed for students to gain specific knowledge of music history from antiquity to present times. Topics will emphasize salient features of eras in regard to counterpoint, form, harmonic evolution, notation, and instrument development. Through weekly journaling and timeline assignments, listening exams, and class discussions, this course seeks to impart an appreciation of worldwide perspectives covering diverse genres and cultures. This course is open to both Vocalists and Instrumentalists.

CTE Midi Production (Levels I, II, III, IV)

This course takes students from the introduction to the advanced functions of the MIDI music making process. Working with MIDI gives individuals the freedom to take control of their entire project, controlling instruments and arrangements, right down to the individual notes. MIDI or Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a music industry standard computer language that communicates the information contained in a musical performance

CTE Studio Production (Levels I, II, III, IV)

Students will cover the essential methods used for recording live material in the studio, and polishing the sound within the workstation. They will also focus on microphone placement, instrument arrangement, tracking order, studio etiquette and a host of other engineering concepts as they tackle live recording and create professional mixes. In addition to working on musical material students will also learn how to use Pro-Tools as a powerful sound design and editing program to create soundscapes for collaborative projects.