Audio Engineering

Associate Degree

Certificate

Degrees/Certificates Offered

Locations Offered

Contact

Steve Gamberoni
Building 15, Room 106
steve.gamberoni@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3212

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Additional Application Requirements

Program start: Fall
Pre-requisites: No
Program length: 6 quarters
Number of students each start: 40
Contact: audioengineering@sfcc.spokane.edu
Applications deadline: Interviews begin in winter

About

If you have a good ear for music and enjoy working with sound technologies, audio engineering could be an excellent career path for you.

In this program, the only one of its kind in eastern Washington, you'll learn how to record, edit and mix music and sound using the latest digital technologies. The program explores digital audio production, analog and digital recording, live sound engineering, sound design and other areas of the field. You'll study studio recording and live-sound techniques, acoustics, microphones, mixing boards, signal processing and digital audio software.

Whether you want to record and produce music for radio, television, motion pictures and video games—or run PA systems for concerts, sporting arenas and live theater—this program can prepare you for a variety of exciting entry-level jobs in the music, entertainment and broadcast industries.

If students are interested in earning a bachelors degree after graduating with an AAS in Audio Engineering, the SFCC Audio program has an articulation agreement with Eastern Washington University's Bachelor of Music Technology and Entrepreneurship program.

Detailed Information

More details about our program:

Starting the first year and again in the second year of study, you will complete a major studio-recording project that involves recording, editing and mixing a student or professional band. The project culminates in developing an audio portfolio for inclusion in your professional resume.
Our program is fall quarter entry, meaning all students in the program enter in the fall together and travel through the program together. Cohorts are a proven model for academic success, as cohorts nurture student bonds, creating an organic and continuous support network. When you join audio engineering, you join a collective dedicated to the success of all.
Our classes progress in order, with each class preparing you for what is to come. Every class is offered once per year. You must pass your classes to move forward in the program.

Application Process

Audio engineering is an open access program. As long as there are seats in the program, and you have completed the admissions process, you will be admitted. Historically, however, about 120 or more students express interest in and/or apply for the program. Program capacity is 40. When student applications exceed program capacity, a committee evaluates students based upon a holistic scoring process that takes into consideration:

Placement scores in reading, writing and math
Communication skills (spoken and written)
Musical experience/background
Audio engineering experience
Motivation and goals

These criteria are predictors of student success in the program. For example, in many of the audio engineering program courses, it is beneficial for students to possess some musical background. Similarly, it is beneficial across the curriculum to be a skilled reader (as students must absorb large amounts of complex information through reading). However, no student is excluded from consideration based upon any one criterion.

Program Application Process

Now interviewing applicants for Fall 2020!

SFCC’s Audio Engineering Program is fall quarter entry only.

All prospective students to the Audio Engineering Program need to follow and complete the steps listed below. It is essential that you maintain an active email account so that we may provide all information needed in a timely manner.

To be admitted to the program, all applicants must complete and/or submit:

College Application
- Complete an online application.
- For general information about admissions, contact the Admissions Office at 509-533-4356
Placement Tests: Complete placement tests in reading, writing, and math.
- Visit the Assessment Testing website to schedule an appointment or call 509-533-3401. The reading and writing placement test at SFCC is the English Directed Self Placement. The math placement test is MyMath.
- Bring your placement scores to your interview. Applicants who have taken placement exams at another accredited institution of higher education may submit their placement scores from that institution.
- Applicants who have completed coursework in Math 99 and English 101 or equivalent coursework at SFCC or another institution may bring a hard copy of transcripts to the interview in lieu of placement test scores.
A Written Essay: In a one to two-page essay (typed or neatly hand-written), answer the following questions:
- What is your personal interest in the Audio Engineering Program at Spokane Falls?
- What experience do you possess in music and/or audio engineering?
- What are your future goals?
- The essay may be submitted by email to audioengineering@sfcc.spokane.edu. Please bring a hard copy to your interview.
Interview
- Contact us at audioengineering@sfcc.spokane.edu to schedule an interview.
- Include your name, student ID, and telephone number
- You will be notified by email of your interview date and time. It is essential you maintain an ACTIVE EMAIL ACCOUNT. If for any reason you do not receive interview information within a week of contacting us, please follow up by telephone (509-533-3212). It is important to us that you are not overlooked.
- Your interview will be 15 minutes in length. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. Applicants must be on time to be considered for admission.
- Bring to your interview hard copies of your placement scores and your essay

In review, here are the steps in order:

Complete your college application
Take your placement tests
Schedule your interview
In preparation for your interview, write your essay

Thank you for your interest in Audio Engineering at Spokane Falls. We look forward to meeting you.

Courses

AUDIO 113 — Live Sound and Location Recording I — 3.0 Credits

This course instructs students in the design and use of live sound reinforcement systems and principles of live concert recording. Students receive hands-on training in cabling, acoustics, equalization, critical listening, and mixing, as well as techniques for successful location recording. Prerequisite: AUDIO 117, 155 and concurrent enrollment in AUDIO 120.
View SFCC Course Learning Outcomes

AUDIO 116 — Music Basics for Audio Professionals — 5.0 Credits

Students learn basic music theory, vocabulary, instrumental concepts and communication skills needed to succeed in the professional recording industry. Basic keyboard skills are developed as preparation for MIDI sequencing.
View SFCC Course Learning Outcomes

AUDIO 117 — Introduction to Music Technology — 4.0 Credits

Students learn a brief history of electronic music and the development of analog/digital synthesis and sampling technology. MIDI concepts and applications are covered. Students receive hands-on experience programming and editing sounds on virtual analog synthesizes. Basic MAC computer tutorial and music sequencing software are introduced.
View SFCC Course Learning Outcomes

AUDIO 120 — Digital Audio I — 4.0 Credits

This course is an introduction to digital audio workstations, including: basic audio recording, editing and mixing functions, MIDI sequencing and arranging, digital audio theory, file management, and basic operating system skills. Prerequisite: AUDIO 117 and 155 and MUSC& 141 or AUDIO 116.
View SFCC Course Learning Outcomes

AUDIO 121 — Digital Audio II — 4.0 Credits

This course is a continuation of Digital Audio I and provides intermediate level Digital Audio Workstation instruction. Students further explore the recording, editing, and mixing capabilities of DAW software. Prerequisite: AUDIO 120.
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AUDIO 151 — Audio Project I — 1.0 Credits

Students plan and implement complete recording studio projects including set up, recording, overdubbing, mixdown and mastering. Prerequisite: AUDIO 155 and concurrent enrollment in AUDIO 156.
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AUDIO 155 — Introduction to Recording — 5.0 Credits

This course is an introduction to techniques and equipment for audio recording. Students study acoustics, studio construction, microphones, signal flow, multitrack recording, signal processing and receive hands-on recording experience. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AUDIO 117.
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AUDIO 156 — Audio Engineering I — 4.0 Credits

Students study multitrack recording and mixdown techniques including signal flow, microphone techniques, reverb, delay, effects, signal processing and basic mastering. Critical listening and aural skills are developed and applied in mixdowns and Audio Project classes. Prerequisite: AUDIO 155.
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AUDIO 159 — Business of Music — 5.0 Credits

With emphasis on human relations and personal communication skills, students are guided through the maze of the music industry. Skills are developed for working with agents, managers, attorneys, recording company executives, ad agencies, promoters, club owners and musicians. Various music and studio career opportunities are explored along with the pros and cons of contracts, unions, guilds, copyright, publishing and performing rights organizations.
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AUDIO 205 — MIDI Arranging — 5.0 Credits

Students compose and arrange music for small groups of instruments as used in live performance, commercial radio and TV jingles. Using Finale notation software and MIDI production software for the Mac workstation, students study composition and style techniques. Prerequisite: AUDIO 218 and MUSC 214.
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AUDIO 206 — Scoring for Film and Multi-Media — 5.0 Credits

This advanced course provides students with a comprehensive foundation of music scoring and sound design structures for film and video. Students use Mac computer workstations and music production software. Open to full time students in the Audio Technology program. Prerequisite: AUDIO 205.
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AUDIO 213 — Live Sound II — 4.0 Credits

This course is a continuation of AUDIO 113 with emphasis on setup and operation of larger systems. Students study system design, signal processing, acoustics, troubleshooting, critical listening and effective communication. Students receive extensive hands-on experience running sound for a variety of music ensembles. Prerequisite: AUDIO 113, 156 and concurrent enrollment in AUDIO 217, 218, MUSC 214.
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AUDIO 217 — System Setup and Maintenance — 3.0 Credits

Students learn to set up and solve technical problems within a digital audio/MIDI workstation. Learn about MIDI/Audio interface connections and troubleshooting in both digital and combination digital /analog recording studio environments. Prerequisite: MUSC 167.
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AUDIO 218 — Digital Audio III — 5.0 Credits

This course provides intermediate level instruction on Pro Tools digital audio workstations with an emphasis on music editing and professional mixing techniques. Prerequisite: AUDIO 121, 156 and MUSC 167.
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AUDIO 219 — Digital Audio IV — 5.0 Credits

This course provides advanced level instruction on Pro Tools digital audio workstations with an emphasis on MIDI and music production. Prerequisite: AUDIO 213 and 218 or 255.
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AUDIO 220 — Digital Audio V — 5.0 Credits

This course will provide an overview of the sound for picture industry as well as in-depth instruction on sound effects creation/ editing, ADR, field recording, synch, and post-production utilizing Pro Tools digital audio workstations. Prerequisite: AUDIO 219 and 255.
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AUDIO 251 — Audio Projects II — 1.0 Credits

Students record, edit, and mix audio projects for their portfolios in this course. Students begin pre-production and then projects are assessed at several points during the recording process. Finished mixes are critiqued and then mastered. Prerequisite: AUDIO 151, 219, 255 and concurrent enrollment in AUDIO 260.
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AUDIO 255 — Audio Engineering II — 4.0 Credits

Students study more advanced audio recording and production techniques as they participate in live recording and mixdown sessions. This includes further study of analog and digital signal processing multitrack editing and CD production. Prerequisite: AUDIO 121, 151, 156 and concurrent enrollment in AUDIO 217, 218, MUSC 214.
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AUDIO 260 — Audio Portfolio — 1.0 Credits

In this course students assemble a professional audio portfolio for presentation to prospective employers. Students learn advanced signal processing techniques and develop refined critical listening skills. Prerequisite: AUDIO 151, 219, 255 and concurrent enrollment in AUDIO 206, 220, 251.
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AUDIO 266 — Cooperative Education Seminar — 1.0 Credits

For course description, see Cooperative Education.
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AUDIO 267 — Cooperative Education Work Experience — 1.0-3.0 Credits

For course description, see Cooperative Education.
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Meet the Instructors