Learn to use the computer as a musical instrument.

Taught by Kevin O'Shaughnessy, this sixteen (16) class course will teach the student the basics of recording, editing, and mixing high-quality music and audio. Course topics include:

• Acoustics overview
• Critical Listening
• "Studio" Setup
• Loops and MIDI
• Microphones and Techniques
• Mixing techniques (EQ, Panning, Ambience Effects)

At the end of the class, the student will have an originally recorded song using all the elements learned in class. Class requirements are:

• Ages 13+
• Currently plays an instrument
• Basic understanding of algebra and geometry
• Apple Mac Laptop
• Avid Pro Tools LE and Mbox

Class scheduling will be determined based on enrollment. This course is $499. 

Please contact us for registration and scheduling.

Prerequisite:

Students should have at least started music lessons on voice or another instrument, and have some knowledge of basic music notation. 

Goal of the course:

In this course, students will be introduced to the concepts and techniques used in creating successful songs. Students will analyze the work of popular artists, and create their own works.

Benefits of the course:

The student will be able to better appreciate their favorite music, and will be exposed to musical styles that may be unfamiliar. Should the students choose, they will be able to use this course as the foundation for their own creative expression.

Skills acquired upon completion:

• Intelligently discuss some of the more common songwriting techniques used in the music they hear
• Create coherent, imaginative lyrics.
• Set a melody to lyrics
• Harmonize their melodies with appropriate chord progressions.
• Create lead sheets

Session 1(a):  Songwriting Appreciation

Students will analyze some of their favorite songs in order to learn songwriting vocabulary, and song forms. Students will also delve deeper into the evolution of songwriting by researching the influences of their favorite artists, and analyzing that music.

Session 1(b):  Lyric Writing

1. Essential Framework
2. Major Song Forms
3. Plot Management
4. Rhyme and Mete

Session 2(a): Melodic Writing

1. Strong and Weak Beats, and Matching the Lyric's Meter
2. The Motive
3. The Phrase
4. Guidelines for Interesting and Emotional Melodies
5. Writing It Down - A Guide to Musical Calligraphy

 Session 2(b): Harmonizing a Melody

1. Melody - Harmony Relationship
2. Determining the Key
3. Harmonic Rhythm
4. Common Chord Movements (Progressions)
5. "Borrowing" Chords
6. Writing It Down - A Guide to Creating a Lead Sheet

 This program is designed so that students may sign up for both sessions—carrying over assignments from previous sections--or sign up for one section (Section 1 or 2) that interest them.  Each complete session (1 or 2) is 16 classes.  Class scheduling will be determined based on enrollment. 

Tuition for either complete Session 1 or 2 is $499.

Please contact us for registration and scheduling.