Introducing Music Technology

Group Course

Comments from Students
Teacher
Schedule & Fee
Enrolment

recordingmic Introducing Music Technology is an inexpensive, practical, hands-on course designed to teach absolute beginners how a PC and inexpensive home studio technology can be used to record and produce virtually anything at home.

Working in the New School’s music technology lab with PC workstations running Reason, Cubase, Sibelius and other music software, as well as range of outboard equipment and microphones, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to home recording and music production through a variety of hands-on projects. You will learn about:

The Musical Spectrum. EQ bands and their musical relevance
Microphones & Recording. Mic types, techniques and positioning for vocal, guitar and instrumental recording
Effects. Compression, reverb, delay, chorus, flanging & pitch shifting
Programming. Programming drum and synth phrases using a built-in drum machine and sequencer
Synthesis. Envelopes, filters, oscillators and creating new sounds with a built-in synthesiser
Sampling. Sampling and editing loops and creating new sounds
Sequencing & Editing. Sequencing each of the above parts into an arrangement, effectively turning your PC into a multi-track recorder
Mixing & Effects. Achieving the all-important final mix, using built-in mixers, effects units and dynamic processors
Audio Mastering. The zero dB ideal and mastering techniques

At the end of the course you will take home your own studio mix of any material you have been working on (participants should bring along a USB memory stick for this). You will also take home a practical understanding of the range of possibilities modern home recording and software studio technology opens up to the professional and amateur alike.

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.

Introducing Music Technology 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.

Comments from Students

'The course surpassed my expectations...and gave me so much information and so many skills that I could take away and work with on my own.'
– A. Lyons

'I learned so much.... The teacher was excellent with a wide knowledge of the field.'
– P. Scully

'Essential for anyone interested in recording music at home.'
– D. Fox

'Very well explained by an interested and enthusiastic teacher.'
– J. Eaton

'A great introduction.... 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

Francis Long, Teacher

Fran 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.

2012-2013 Summer Term Schedule & Fee

5 weeks, 4 July – 1 August 2013
Thursdays 6.30 – 8.30 pm

Tuition Fee: €180

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2012-2013 Summer Term Enrolment Form.) 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? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.

Waltons New School of Music