Sound and Music Technology

I have been involved in the creation and delivery of coursework in sound and music technology for many years. I was hired at NYC College of Technology to create a Sound Technology track within the Stage Technology program. As this program was converted into the Department of Entertainment Technology, and as the department grew to encompass more performance and entertainment modalities, I continued to develop associated sound courses, as well as building a music technology track.

ENT 1260 Music Technology

An introduction and overview of the basic techniques and components used in commercial electronic music production. Students will work at individual workstations with a variety of software. Rudiments of music theory will be covered. Introduction to synthesis, sequencing, sampling and loop-based composition will be covered. A brief history of music technology, a detailed exploration of the MIDI specification and the techniques of configuring hardware and software systems for optimal effectiveness will also be covered.

ENT 3390 Sound for Multimedia

Introduction to the use of sound in multimedia. Digital multitrack recording and editing is explored, with an emphasis on integration with visual components. Students develop techniques of recording and editing on industry-standard software and hardware systems. Digital audio formats, compression protocols, streaming audio, synchronization and integration with multimedia elements are covered. MIDI and basic sequencing as used in Internet-based playback systems. Importing and exporting audio protocols between a variety of applications. Students will work in an intensive, project-oriented environment using a variety of applications on the Macintosh platform. It is recommended that AD students bring existing multimedia projects of their own creation to explore how to enhance with additional audio effects.

ENT 1270 Sound Technology

An introduction to the use of sound in entertainment, its natural properties and physical components. Topics include microphones, recording equipment, control consoles, reproduction techniques, amplification, distribution, loudspeaker systems, frequency response, decibels and dynamic range. Live and recorded sound techniques and the assembly of small audio systems from diagrams.

ENT 2370 Sound Engineering

Students will learn to assess acoustics of performance spaces and analyze the results both with instruments and by ear. With these results, students will then learn to design amplification, acoustical modification and communications systems for professional productions. As a part of the course, they will set up and learn to operate computerized and non-computerized sound control reinforcement and playback systems.

ENT 4470 Sound Design

An investigation of the techniques and practices of sound design, emphasizing the use of modern computer-based recording and playback techniques. Sampling, hard-disk playback systems, sequencing, MIDI, systems integration, the use of surround systems, low frequency elements and specials to achieve a variety of effects will be covered. Sound design practices will include script analysis, sound cue construction, integration with director and communication with other members of the design team. Additional areas of concentration will include development of cues based on functional, transitional, underscoring, surreal and hyper-real techniques; integration of musical and soundscape aesthetics; practice on Macintosh computer platforms using Digital Performer, Pro-Tools and a variety of plug-ins; programming of automation equipment and development of robust redundant systems capable of sustaining a high-use theatrical environment.