'Essential for anyone interested in recording music at home.'
– D. Fox
'Really a must for those interested in recording. Very well explained by an interested and enthusiastic teacher.'
– J. Eaton
'A great introduction to recording. User-friendly, with a tutor very knowledgeable about the subject.'
– L. Frost
'A great course. Would definitely recommend it. I learned so much...'
– J. McDonald
This hands-on course designed to teach you how a PC and inexpensive studio technology can be used to record virtually anything at home.
Working in the New School’s music technology lab with computer workstations, microphones, sound cards, software, mixers, fx units and other outboard equipment, you will explore the subject through a variety of hands-on projects. Over the course of 5 weeks and 10 hours of tuition (the course also includes an additional 6.25 hours of lab time, supervised by the instructor), you will learn about:
- The musical spectrum. EQ bands and their musical relevance
- Microphones. Choosing a mic, mic types & techniques
- Vocal, guitar & instrumental recording. Positioning, electric guitar/amp micing
- Effects. Compression, reverb, delay, chorus, flanging & pitch shifting
- Making the mix work. Balance, level correction, panning, gates and mutes, mix eq, monitoring & troubleshooting
- Audio mastering. The zero db ideal, DAT mastering, CD burning
Finally, you will be introduced to a range of currently-available home recording hardware and software. (Participants in Home Recording Basics are entitled to substantial discounts on selected music technology products from Waltons, valid for one month after the course.) At the end of the course you will take home your own studio mix of any material you have been working on. You will also take home a practical understanding of the range of possibilities modern home recording technology opens up to the professional and amateur alike.
Home Recording Basics and Software Studio Basics are two complementary courses which together provide you with an arsenal of tools and techniques for setting up and getting the most out of music technology at home. Home Recording Basics can be taken alone or together with Software Studio Basics. Although participants are expected to have a basic knowledge of the PC and Windows operating system (previous experience with any Windows-based software is enough), no previous musical training, knowledge of music technology or ability to read music is necessary.
Home Recording Basics is one of our group music technology and music production courses. Private and intensive music technology lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Music Technology - Private & Intensive Lessons for more information.
First Term Schedule & Fee
5 weeks, October 7 – November 11, 2010
(No class or lab time on October 28)
Class: Thursdays 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Lab Time: Thursdays 8.30 – 9.45 pm
Tuition Fee: €220
Francis Long, Teacher
Fran Long has been involved in the music business for many years. At the age of eight he joined the Artane Boys Band, where he learned to play the clarinet, oboe and the bell lyre – before moving on to guitar and bass – and has since played professionally with different bands, released several CDs and recorded various artists, including Cathy Davey. He is currently busy recording and performing with his band Torc. For many years Fran was the Manager of Waltons Music, George’s Street. He has also given workshops at the Ballyfermot Community Centre aimed at helping young people understand the music business. Fran teaches guitar and music technology at the New School and co-facilitates our Inside Rock outreach workshop.
Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places are limited to eight.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Download a gift certificate booking form.
Back to top