COURSE OVERVIEW
Learn the fundamentals of audio engineering in The Art of Sound Recording! This program covers microphones, acoustics, recording, editing, mixing, and more across ALL GENRES of music. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate engineer, you’ll develop the skills needed to confidently work in any studio.
Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art consoles and recording equipment, guided by industry pros from Full Sail University, IADT, and Sanford Brown. Learn from experts who have shaped countless careers.
By the end of the program, you’ll know how to run professional recording sessions from start to finish, preparing you for success in home studios, pro studios, and beyond.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Recording Software & Hardware – Learn studio signal flow, recording techniques, and synchronization.
Microphone Selection & Placement – Capture the best vocal and instrumental performances.
Running a Session – Track a full band (drums, bass, guitar, vocals) in a real recording environment.
Mixing & Processing – Use audio processors and mixers to shape professional-quality mixes.
Studio Setup – Learn how to build or upgrade your own home or professional studio.
EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS
With decades of experience and know-how behind numerous consoles in the world of Rock, Pop, Indie, Metal, Jazz, Acoustic, and much more, instructors, Mike Johnson & James Forbes, will teach you everything you need to know so that in 10-weeks you're an efficient engineer able to run any kind of session in a home or pro studio.
GROUP OR 1-on-1
The Art of Sound Recording is available as group or 1-on-1 instruction. Group courses, offered only four times a year and capped at 3-4 students, promote teamwork, critical thinking, and close interaction with instructors. 1-on-1 courses can begin anytime and provide a flexible schedule, hands-on experience, and a personalized curriculum tailored to your music industry goals.
10 CLASS CURRICULUM
CLASS 1: INTRO
Learn about the basics of sound including the human ear and speakers
Understand the importance of acoustics
Discover how studios are designed
CLASS 2: MICROPHONES
Learn about the basics of sound including the human ear and speakers
Understand the importance of acoustics
Discover how studios are designed
CLASS 3: THE GEAR
Learn the in and outs of the SSL Console
Understand the mechanisms of Preamps, EQ’s, Compressors.
Get to know analog tape and signal flow
WEEK 4: PRO TOOLS - THE BASICS
Learn about Computer Hardware and its components
Become familiar with Pro Tools HD Hardware and Converters
Understand Pro Tools HD Software; I/O's, Peripherals and more.
CLASS 5: PRO TOOLS - IN USE
Learn how to run a Pro Tools recording session
Understand the importance of file organization
Learn how to get signal into a session
CLASS 6: TRACKING SESSION - THE CLASS
Begin to learn about pre-production and session prep
Understand how to set up for a live session
Run an actual a small session in Studio A
CLASS 7: TRACKING SESSION - PRACTICAL
Prepare for a band to arrive at 10:00am for their session
Setup drums, mics and amps for the live band
Record an entire fully tracked/produced song
CLASS 8: MIXING SESSION - THE CLASS
Learn how to edit a session
Understand hybrid workflow (analog/digital)
Become familiar with EQ, compression, and summing
Blend and complete a mix
CLASS 9: MIXING SESSION - PRACTICAL
Prepare for the mixing session at 12noon
Apply the mixing techniques from Week 8
Do a mix of the Week 7's live tracking session.
CLASS 10: THE FINAL
A 4-hour session of your choice: live tracking from start to finish or mixing in any studio room.
A Q&A with instructors on home studio setups and career advice!
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF COURse
At the end of our 10-class course, students earn a certificate of completion. But our real goal is to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to run your own home studio or navigate a professional one. Many of our students have gone on to build studios, work in pro recording facilities, and even land jobs at radio stations!
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Graduates can begin an unpaid internship, completing daily tasks like cleaning and client support. Interns gain access to all five studios, observing and assisting engineers in recording, mixing, and mastering sessions—just like in top studios in Nashville, LA, and New York.
MORE INFORMATION
ELIGIBILITY: Anyone (beginner or intermediate) interested in learning the fundamentals of audio engineering in all genres of music is eligible for this class.
LENGTH: This is a 10-class (52 total hours) course that is delivered as a group or 1-on-1 instruction. 10 consecutive weeks: Eight 4-hour Sunday evening lesson once per week. Two 10-hour Sunday (full-day) lessons dedicated to recording and mixing a full band.
PRICE: $3,000 for the group class. $5000 for 1-on-1 instruction. The 1-on-1 tuition reflects a highly specialized curriculum, dedicated studio time, flexible schedule and personalized attention to the individual student. Ask about our payment plans!
TO REGISTER: We require a 50% deposit to reserve your seat. The balance is due by the start date of the course OR you can participate in our payment plan. There are no additional costs.
GROUP COURSE COUNTDOWN: June 2025. Classes run four times a year. Scheduling is flexible for holidays. If you do not want to wait until June 2025, we recommend enrolling in the 1-on-1 version of this course. 1-on-1 courses have “ongoing admissions” and can begin whenever you are ready.