Kelowna Campus
Landmark Technology Centre 3
Suite 100 - 1632 Dickson Ave
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 7T2
Ph: 250-860-2787
Toll free: 1-866-860-2787
Fredericton Campus
130 Carleton Street
Fredericton, NB, E3B 3T4
Ph: 506-460-1280
Toll free: 1-877-369-1888
Halifax Campus
1577 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS, B3J 1Z7
Ph: 902-429-1847
Toll free: 1-866-429-1847
Nourish your talent working on music, film, audio and video sountracks, game soundtracks, theatre or anywhere else where top-quality sound is available with The Centre's innovative Audio Engineering prgoram. Contact one of our Program Advisors today and ask about launching your career with the Audio Engineer program.
Business Technology 100
In order to survive and prosper, businesses must take advantage of the most appropriate technology available. Students receive an introduction to various business technologies including word processing and spreadsheets. The medium to achieve this knowledge will be the Microsoft office suite. Building on a foundational understanding of windows as well as internet browsers, students will learn the basic skills foe Microsoft word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Leveraging the interoperability of these applications will also be explored.
Digital Music Technology 100
Students develop a working theoretical and skills-based knowledge of the multi-timbre synthesizer and the sequencing environment within the context of contemporary MIDI production studio. Both studio applications and full use of the digital signal processing resources available within the equipment are covered.
Introduction to Digital Audio Production
IDAP introduces students to the concepts, procedures, and techniques of non-linear digital audio editing. Through lectures and in-class projects, introduction covers digital audio theory and developing non-linear audio workstation skills. By the end of the course, students are ready to apply their skills to intermediate and advanced work in non linear digital audio production. Computer basics specifically relevant to the integration of audio applications within the operating system and hardware are covered.
Introduction to Video Production
The ability to produce quality video content is an ever growing requisite skill for the digital media profession. Students will setup and maintain professional video production equipment, use three point lighting, manage spatial and temporal continuity, coordinate foreground and background , open and closed frame shots as well as setup for internal and external reverses, perspective and deep staging. Basic blocking notation for camera positions will be applied in basic static setups which use master shot, pan, and reveal static pivot, rack focus and follow focus. You will use focal length to compress space, match sizes and open up space. Upon completion students will have produced all the shots necessary for a basic interview and dramatic scene.
Music Theory 101
In MT 101, students develop the vocabulary, concepts, and skills necessary to communicate effectively with musicians, producers, arrangers and artists in the recording arts studio, and to improve their mastery of the music production process. Emphasis is on the ability to write read and use charts. It’s assumed that the student is at ground zero and instruction moves on from there quickly. Topics include musical structure and notation, ear training, rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic structure and notation, tonality and scales, key and time signatures and cadences and transposition.
Recording Studio Operations 100
RSO100 introduces entry-level students to modern recording studios, the role of the recording engineer and producer, professional session protocol, equipment used, and other technical aspects of recording and producing. Students are introduced to professional recording equipment including microphones and DIs, recording and storage devices, patch bays, effects devices (reverb and delay) and processing devices (equalization, compression, expansion). Topics include: Understanding signal flow and reading block diagrams, technical and practical principles of interfacing, and the procedures of professional multitrack studio recording.
Recording Arts 100
RA100 lays the theoretical groundwork in acoustics and its relationship to electronic equipment used in the recording industry for practical applications in engineering and producing. Students are equipped with the fundamental concepts and terminology necessary to pursue a career in the recording arts, and to establish a foundation for higher-level audio courses. Students will also begin ear training exercises to support engineering skills being developed in other courses (e.g., RSO).
Digital Music Technology 200
In DMT200, students develop a detailed knowledge of the MIDI language. This leads to more flexible and in-depth use of sequencers involving graphical and list based editing, static and dynamic parameter automation, and the basic recording of MIDI messages. Professional skills are taught in a MIDI production lab using industry standard software and hardware.
Music Theory 102
This course is a continuation of MT101 where students further their knowledge and skill level in ear training, rhythmic, melodic and harmonic structure, and notation for popular music. Theory is discussed and practiced in weekly assignments.
Music, Management and Marketing
Students will explore the ever-expanding universe of the music and record businesses from the perspective of both artist and business manager. Topics include: Personal managers, getting signed, record company structure, independent releases, distribution, marketing of artists, national and international touring, record producers, income sources, merchandising, unions, budgeting, contract analysis, career expectations and opportunities.
Recording Studio Operations 200
In RSO200, students continue to develop the professional skills, work habits and attitudes expected by the commercial recording industry. The course covers both theory and practice, with students being given the opportunity to conduct their own recording sessions under the supervision of the instructor. Content includes: Advanced use of effects processors and signal routing, communication in the studio, paperwork and record keeping for professional recording sessions, synchronization, and MIDI in the recording studio.
Sound Reinforcement 201
In SR200, students learn to design, operate and troubleshoot small to medium-sized PA systems and to overcome the problems inherent in difficult acoustical environments. Students are exposed to the audio systems and acoustic environments encountered in live sound situations (sound reinforcement for performances, speeches and lectures, MC/DJ systems). Signal flow and troubleshooting skills are continually reinforced in the process of setting up and tearing down complete sound systems in class and, when possible, on location throughout the semester. Topics include sound systems and systems design, evaluating equipment requirements, interfacing, cabling, acoustical environments, calibration and equalization, live mixing, and stage lighting techniques.
Digital Audio Production 200
DAP200 takes students beyond the basics of audio editing software and digital audio skills (such as those covered in IDAP). In this project-based course, students create a soundtrack for animation from start to finish. Topics include audio editing software and hardware systems, non-linear digital multi-track editing, and the various elements of a soundtrack-for-picture (dialogue, voice over, sound effects, foley, ambient BG, music, etc.). Curriculum also covers sound design, digital audio transfer protocols, software-based effects plug-ins, automation and a thorough introduction to two-track editing software. DAP200 provides a solid grounding for entry-level positions in the nonlinear audio post-production field.
Digital Studio Operations 300
Recording Studios are complex organisms that rely on every piece of technology to work in harmony. DSO 300 incorporates the skills needed to integrate the various technologies of, and engineer in, a fully digital recording studio environment. Students explore digital audio theory and interact with digital consoles, digital recorders, external DSP, software signal routing, interfacing equipment, slaving transports, synchronizing digital audio streams, and full-console automation/ editing using dedicated automation computers and general purpose MIDI. Topics include linear digital audio, digital filtering, A/D and D/A conversion, dithering, error correction, digital storage media, encoding methods involving data compression, interface standards and synchronization methods.
Digital Audio Production 300
The Curriculum for DAP300 includes: synchronization and transfer of multi-track digital audio into the ProTools environment; organizing and conforming a session for a multi-track music project; problematic audio tracks; digital signal processing and effects; mixing and mastering techniques; QuickTime movie
soundtracks; recording and editing MIDI within ProTools.
Digital Music Technology 300
Students learn MIDI and synthesis skills for music production and sound design, and develop familiarity with sound design concepts using current synthesis methods and sampling. DMT utilizes universal editors/library and sample editors where possible. Topics covered include configuring and maintaining
a complex MIDI studio through a multiport interface, software MIDI management systems, use of programmable or MIDI-based hardware interfaces, advanced sequencing concepts, sampling and automating parameters in external MIDI devices.
Advanced Recording Techniques 300
Students develop intermediate to advanced engineering skills, knowledge, and abilities, and apply critical
listening skills to affective engineering decisions. Musical formats, aesthetic, and acoustical issues are considered along with techniques and equipment used in professional commercial music production, such as microphone selection and placement. This is a companion course to Music Production 400 that allows
students to learn and explore techniques that can be applied to their production work. Instruction includes areas such as: studio protocol, system integration and interfacing, critical listening/ear training as it relates to aesthetic and technical engineering decisions (solving technical issues, techniques, procedures, and equipment selection and use), monophonic and stereophonic microphone techniques for various instruments and musical styles/goals, surround sound mixing, and mastering. Also covered are engineering decisions, procedures, and issues surrounding various types of session work, various musical
formats/styles and purposes, aesthetic issues, and acoustical issues in the recording process
Audio Systems Maintenance 200
ASM examines the recording studio from an electronics perspective, following a systems approach which emphasizes the integration of various equipment and formats. Topics include: basic audio circuitry components and their functions; test equipment (VOM, DVM, oscilloscope, audio analyzer); tape machine transport and electronic mixer signal flow and circuitry; system grounding issues; interfacing issues; patch bays; balanced lines; soldering techniques; project construction; non-audio signals; cabling and
connectors. Graduates demonstrate an understanding of studio systems maintenance and using gain structures and signal flow they develop problem-solving skills necessary to perform basic studio system maintenance.
Employability Skills I, II
Having technical skills and talent are no longer sufficient to find and keep high quality jobs. Employers desire candidates with a high level of employability skills that include personal management, communication, problem solving, positive attitudes and behaviours, adaptability, and teamwork skills. Employability Skills courses provide a real world work environment that allows students to practice their employability skills and technical skills while simultaneously acquiring additional entrepreneurial and employment relevant skills. In all programs, ES courses will be operationalized through regional focuses and this will provide an ideal context for demonstrating and practicing employability skills.
Location Audio
LA introduces students to the equipment, techniques, protocols and procedures used in on-site recording for film and TV. Where scheduling permits, students participate in a location film/video shoot. Topics include power requirements and electrical noise, acoustic isolation, location mixing, audio post-production tools and processes, field and post synchronization, sampling sounds and environments, microphone placement, wireless microphones and communication, and audio processing in the field.
Career Management
This course is specifically designed for those working in the arts and entertainment industry, in order to provide them the tools they need to deal effectively with their business and financial needs so that they will be able to follow their passion while avoiding the "starving artist" trap. As students work through the course they build a personal business plan that will be the foundation for building a successful long-term career.
Music Production 400
Content includes: How to take a project from the initial concept through to its final resolution; working with performing artists; methods to facilitate communication; recognizing and recording successful magic takes; mixing; the final mastering process; and production techniques for various instruments and styles.
Music Arranging & Recording Technology
Students study approaches to arranging as it relates to computer-based technology. MART is invaluable to both non-musicians (audio engineers and producers) and musicians (arrangers and composers). Topics include traditional concepts relating to scores for live musicians, arranging for sections (rhythm, strings, brass, vocal), chord extensions and substitutions, voicing, plurality, melodic development, harmonization, and arrangement planning.
Recording Arts 200 (Psycho-Acoustics)
RA200 builds on the base laid in RA100 and expands to the exploration of psychoacoustics. Using this context as a framework, other topics are discussed such as stereo microphone techniques, the acoustics of musical instruments in relation to microphone techniques, critical listening, 3D and surround sound,
and ear training.
Audio Post- Production Engineering 400
Students acquire skills related to the roles of producer and engineer for film and TV post-audio production through the recording and production of their own projects. Topics include studio protocol, working with talent, budgets and clients, system integration and interfacing, microphone techniques, recording and producing techniques, procedures and issues in session work, critical listening/ear training applied to aesthetic and acoustical issues, mixing and mastering, automated dialogue replacement, sound effects and design, synchronization (lockup), and foley.
Music Publishing for the Internet
Through the Internet, music can be delivered anywhere in the world. In MPI, the emphasis is on creating
websites capable of delivering recorded music for use as a distribution medium or promotional tool. Instruction includes the use of browsers, graphic tools and file formats, home page creation, leading edge audio compression, and streaming technologies. The course helps students realize Internet audio
promotional goals for musicians, songwriters, and other artists and businesses. Students create a website that contains samples of their audio work, which is downloadable or can be streamed from the net.
Music for TV and Film
MTVF starts by analyzing contemporary musical and sound design trends in TV and film work. The analysis includes both music theory and investigations of the technology behind the production. With a newfound understanding of the demands of current production values, students go on to create their own music projects, developing their music theory and technical expertise. Finally, the course investigates the business aspects of creating music for the film and TV industries covering practical considerations to get a career started. Students use this information to draw up their own business plans to move forward into the next level of their audio careers.
Portfolio Production Workshop
Portfolios show the world what you can do. Academic portfolios are the final demonstration of acquired learning and are a requirement for graduation at Centre colleges. Portfolios are also one of the most important tools you have for initially getting noticed and landing an interview for a job or contract. This course provides the knowledge and tools required to complete a high-quality academic and professional portfolio in multiple formats and media, e.g., print, web, DVD, tape.
Professional Development I, II, III, IV, V (This is a mandatory course in each quarter)
The Professional Development Program consists of a series of modules spread throughout the academic program that focus on the personal and interpersonal aspects of employability skills required for success at work and in life. Through a combination of instruction and activities including scenario training, individual and group activities, discussions, and reflection students are given the opportunity to discover and develop lifelong values, personal definitions of success and mission statements, and to investigate best practices in achieving their personal and career goals. Awareness of expectations and consequences of actions within business and social situations will be emphasized, providing opportunities to develop into the kind of people that others want to know and work with. This includes behavioural awareness and skills in resolving personal and interpersonal issues, and letting go of schemas that don't support success as personally defined. Practical job skills are also included in the program such as industry research, portfolio criteria, job search, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and employment negotiations. Because the acquisition of soft skills requires a significant amount of exposure and practice in diverse situations, each module will build on the core skills, principles, and tools based on individual and group needs as determined by the facilitators in each module.
