MUS 173 - Basic Studio Techniques I

Description
This course covers the fundamentals of the recording arts, including basic audio signal and acoustics theory, digital audio fundamentals, recording consoles, microphone design, and signal processing. Students work in an on-campus lab and studio to complete lab assignments and projects.

Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 5
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $150.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Digital Audio Specialist Certificate, Pre-Music and Entertainment Business, A.A. (3 + 1, Ferris State University), Recording Technology, A.M.

Other Courses Where This Course is a Prerequisite: MUS 174; MUS 272;
Other Courses Where this Course is a Corequisite: None
Other Courses Where This course is included in within the Description: None

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand computer file management.

2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of ProTools.

3. Perform copy, cut, and paste editing.

4. Use ProTools automation effectively.

5. Employ Audiosuite and RTAS plug-ins.

6. Understand compression basics.

7. Understand equalization basics.

8. Utilize signal processors.

9. Understand basic microphone design.

10. Understand basic audio console types and operation.

11. Have a basic understanding of human hearing.

12. Understand acoustics basics.

13. Demonstrate an understanding of signal flow.

Course Outline:
I. Unit One / Orientation and Overview

II. Unit Two / Hard Disk Recording and Editing

III. Unit Three / History of Recording

IV. Unit Four / Studio Basics and Design / Sound and Hearing

V. Unit Five / Practical Applications of Recording

VI. Unit Six / Overview of Microphones

VII. Unit Seven / Acoustic basics

VIII. Unit Eight / Semester Review / Final Exam

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 25-35%

Demonstration: 25-35%

Lab Projects: 20-30%

Aural Skill Development: 10-30%

Group Work: 10-20%
Mandatory Course Components:
Reading assignments and student activities, four unit quizzes, eight lab assignments, term paper, final performance evaluation, student recording project, and final written exam.

Successful completion of the mandatory course components. (73% average or better)
Equivalent Courses:
None

Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: N/A

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None

GRCC Course Type:
Program Requirement: Meets the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
Total Lab Hours Per Week: 2
People Soft Course ID Number: 102200
Course CIP Code: 50.09
Maximum Course Enrollment: 25
General Room Request: Lab - MIDICourse Software Utilized: Pro Tools Reaper

High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Music
Discipline: MUS
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Instructors teaching MUS 173 will have a Master’s Degree in education, music or recoding and have years of professional audio recording experience, using Pro Tools and other hard disc recording media. Seven years or more of full-time audio engineering experience may be a substitute for the Master’s Degree.

Major Course Revisions: Prerequisite, Corequisite
Last Revision Date Effective: 20260224T09:22:50
Course Review & Revision Year: 2030-2031