Audio Arts and Acoustics, BA

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The major in Audio Arts and Acoustics is actually a collection of diverse programs or concentrations, all in the broad area of professional audio.

The curriculum consists of four levels of classes. Incoming freshman will start with introductory courses that expose students to the theory, craft, and aesthetic common to all the concentrations. These elements are developed throughout the core curriculum. Upon successful completion of the core, the student chooses a concentration, where the focus will narrow to a specific discipline within professional audio. At this level the student is expected to develop skills and begin to demonstrate the ability to function independently. The final level consists of a series of capstone courses in which the student is expected to demonstrate a high level of functioning, including a developed sense of aesthetic, a command of the theory, and the ability to function independent of the professor.

Students who successfully complete the program are prepared for entry-level employment in various areas of professional audio such as recording studios, acoustical consulting firms, the film and television industries, sound reinforcement companies, system contractors, and more.

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Concentrations

Acoustics

The Acoustics concentration prepares students for entry-level positions with consulting and engineering firms practicing in the areas of architectural acoustics and/or environmental acoustics. The program also provides graduates with the academic preparation for continued studies.

The main educational goal of the concentration is to offer students a holistic understanding of acoustics as a discipline by presenting all of its components-theory, practices, and aesthetics. Theoretical and applied elements of acoustics are introduced in Architectural Acoustics, Acoustics of Performance Spaces, Environmental Acoustics, Studies in Transducer Theory, and Engineered Acoustics, while courses like Acoustical Testing I, Acoustical Testing II, and Acoustical Modeling give students the opportunity to analyze and to solve real-world problems. The physiological and psychological aspects of sound perception and interpretation are introduced in Studies in Hearing and in Psychoacoustics, while the aesthetic element of the discipline is furthered in most of the other courses, through examples selected from the instructors’ professional portfolio and through discussions that address contemporary issues in acoustics.

Program Requirements

Audio Design and Production

The aim of the Audio Design & Production Concentration is to prepare students for careers in music recording, audio post-production, audio for multi-media communications, and sound design.

With the increased availability of audio technology, most notably through the “desktop revolution,” former clients of recording studios now find themselves doing so much audio work day to day that it has become cost effective to build and maintain their own audio production facilities. Advertising agencies, corporate A/V departments, and commercial and popular music producers and musicians now have their own “in-house” recording facilities. Additionally, we have seen the birth of new media forms, in which audio production is an integral part. These would include Web design and authoring; real-time Web media; CD ROM publishing; and sound design for theater, broadcast, and multi-media. Sound as a stand alone artistic experience has also grown and matured as an independent means of expression. So-called “Audio Art” has become a distinct form of performance/creative art, which is practiced, exhibited, and distributed all over the world. These are all now potential clients and projects to the audio production specialist.

Students graduating in this concentration will be versed in the theory, aesthetics, and practices of recording, multi-track audio production, and post-production. They will be fully prepared to work in a variety of formats and environments from large-format recording studios to those smaller “desk-top” environments. We make sure that students recognize the ever-changing and increasingly diverse nature of these technology sensitive industries.

As students of a liberal arts program, they will develop communication skills in, and an aesthetic understanding of, the different industries they may serve. This will prepare them to interact more effectively with peers and clients.

Program Requirements

Audio for Visual Media

The Audio for Visual Media concentration prepares students for audio careers in film, video, and related visual media. Students study the theory and practice of sound track design, recording, editing, and mixing sound in relationship to story structure. Students develop an understanding of aesthetic principles as well as communication and professional skills that allow them to effectively pursue their future goals. Audio for Visual Media is a collaboration between the Film and Video Department and the Audio Arts and Acoustics Department, requiring students to complete courses in each department.

Program Requirements

Live and Installed Sound

The Live & Installed Sound Concentration addresses the technology and art of configuring, installing, and operating sound systems for everything from music and theater performances to civic or corporate events, religious services, and public announcement environments, through equal parts theory, aesthetics, and hands-on operation. As different as they may appear, live sound engineers and systems contractors are joined by a common goal: to successfully accomplish a desired sonic outcome in real-time contexts. Live and Installed Sound skills are expertly taught in our Department and are widely sought after by the relevant industries.

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