Application Packet

  • Application Packet (.pdf)
  • Application Packet (.rtf)

    • studio
    Degree Requirements

  • Degree Requirements (.pdf)
  • Four-Semester Plan (.pdf)
  • Four-Semester Plan (.rtf)

    • Course Descriptions


    Want to know more about the courses we offer? Click the tabs below for more information or download the Course Descriptions PDF file.
  • Audio Fundamentals
    This 8 week course will expose students to the terminology and fundamental science of audio, building a solid foundation for future courses in the Recording Arts program.
    Audio Recording I
    This course is intended to expose students to the principles and techniques of stereo and multi-track audio recording. Topics of instruction include basic audio terminology and concepts, analog signal path, microphone theory, multi-track recordings, and basic mix-down techniques. This class requires 22.5 hours of lab time outside of normal class meetings. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.
    Audio Recording II
    Audio Recording II introduces students to the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and its role in the recording studio. Students will explore non-linear audio editing, utilizing ProTools as the primary software platform. Additional microphone placement, recording, and multi-track mix-down techniques will be discussed and utilized. This class requires 22.5 hours of lab time outside of normal class meetings. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.
    Audio Recording III
    Audio Recording III will challenge the student to translate knowledge of non-linear recording and editing to other software platforms such as Digital Performer and Logic Studio. An introduction into digital consoles and automation will be explored, utilizing a Mackie D8B. This class requires 22.5 hours of lab time outside of normal class meetings. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.
    Audio Recording IV
    In this course, students will utilize many of the techniques they previously learned to create sessions that represent real-world scenarios. Signal processing, mastering, and plug-in automation techniques will be explored, as well as the use of various file formats and delivery methods. This class requires 22.5 hours of lab time outside of normal class meetings. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.
    Recording Arts Piano
    Music instruction for piano students in the Recording Arts Technology program provides students with the opportunity to learn how contemporary music is played on the keyboard. The student will learn about contemporary music theory, bass line patterns, and how to begin reading lead sheets and fake books.
    MIDI Production
    Students will develop an understanding of how a sequencer can be used to record and manipulate music. A brief history of MIDI will be covered, as well as the basic principles of sampling, creating loops, and the utilization of Virtual Instruments. This class requires 22.5 hours of lab time outside of normal class meetings. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.
    Sound Reinforcement
    This course is intended to explain the role of a live sound reinforcement system. Students will learn the functions and interactions of sound reinforcement equipment, assess gear needs, functions of a house or monitor engineer, and techniques for preventing and controlling feedback. Students will be required to demonstrate these skills during a live performance.
    Music Business
    This course acquaints the student with the practices and procedures of the recording arts business world including the hiring of management, attorneys, negotiation or recording contracts, publishing deals, and other contractual situations that arise in the music industry. Concert production, publicity, and production of press kits will also be explored.
    Lighting Technology
    This course is a comprehensive study of lighting principles, equipment, and usage in the performing arts industry. Emphasis is placed on lighting techniques, color concepts, electrical theory, and safety.
    Recording Studio Applications
    In this course, the student will learn how to effectively communicate with musicians in a modern recording environment and be familiar with the mechanics of instruments used to create music. Basic music concepts, chord progressions, tuning, instrument intonation, guitar amps, along with the Nashville number system are some of the areas covered.
    Digital Video Production
    This course covers the basics of planning, lighting, shooting, and editing of digital video. Students will learn camera angles, basic chroma-keying techniques, and storyboarding for class projects. Student projects may be realized in the form of commercial spots, documentaries, music videos, or segments for a television production. This class requires 22.5 hours of lab time outside of normal class meetings. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.
    Digital Video Production II
    Students will learn about the history of Foley and the techniques commonly used in the movie industry for augmenting or completely replacing sound track audio. Students will utilize ProTools and applications in Final Cut Studio to record, import, and align audio elements to video. This class requires 22.5 hours of lab time outside of normal class meetings. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.
    Live Video Production
    This course will take the student through the process of live video production by supporting school activities and sporting events, as well as the creation of simulated news reports that can be shared with family and friends through streaming webcasts and the college television channel. Students will also simulate professional work experiences by collaborating with local businesses to create promotional commercial spots. This class requires 22.5 hours of lab time outside of normal class meetings. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.
    Recording Arts Internship
    The student will assist in a professional recording or sound engineering environment. Working with audio professionals in the field, the student will become familiar with the real-world environment. This class requires 45 hours of internship hours. The student is responsible for logging all hours and arranging his or her own internship.
    Recording Arts Thesis
    Utilizing skills acquired in all previous courses, the student will produce a full-length, professionally evaluated multi-media portfolio for use in promoting themselves in the professional music industry. The final project will include new material as well as samples of the student’s previous work. This class requires 67.5 hours of lab time. The student is responsible for scheduling and logging all hours.

So what do you want to learn? Audio Recording, Video Editing, MIDI production, Audio for Video? We've got it all, and what's more, when you graduate from the program, you will too. The Recording Arts program covers all these and other classes such as Lighting Technology, Live Sound Reinforcement, Desktop Music Publishing, and more! Above all else though, your time will be spent learning hands on. That means more than just knowing "how" to use any given piece of equipment, but how to be creative, to problem solve, and to use the resources at hand to create amazing music.

crewStarting your first semester, you will have the opportunity to put your hands on the gear, and your ears in front of the monitors as you record, mix, and master projects of your own from first tracking, to finished CD. As you progress through the next four semesters, your projects grow to use Digital Audio Workstations (DAW'S), plug-ins, effects processors, video editors and more! With each new class you will learn more about microphone placement, mixing techniques, looping, triggering, music, and video synchronization, and a whole host of other things that will contribute to your final thesis project where you will record, mix and master a complete packaged CD from start to finish.

Along the way you will have built a portfolio of all of the recordings, songs, sequences, music videos, and other projects that you can take to potential employers to help you get a job in this fast paced and exciting industry. And did we mention the required internship with a recording facility, live sound company, or TV station that you will get to take part in? While we may work hard, we have a great time doing it. Check out the Four Semester Plan for your recommended semester-by-semester enrollment. If you have any questions, please contact Russell Head by email or by phone at (620) 421-6700 ext. 1020.

Recording Arts Technology 4-Semester Plan
This four-semester plan is for planning purposes only and serves as a guide to the student to complete the degree in four semesters. The student, in consultation with the advisor, should choose elective courses to satisfy degree requirements.
Fall - Semester 1 (15* Hrs)  
RTEC101 Audio Recording I 3
RTEC140 Recording Studio Applications 1
RTEC115 Recording Arts Piano 1
RTEC144 Digital Video Production 3
MATH115 College Algebra or 3
MATH106 Applied Math  
ENGL101 English Composition I 3
LEAR101 College Success Skills* 1
     
Spring - Semester 2 (15 Hrs)  
RTEC102 Audio Recording II 3
RTEC121 MIDI Production 3
RTEC148 Digital Video Production II 3
INDU125 Fundamentals of Electronics 3
  General Education Elective 3
     
     
Fall - Semester 3 (15* Hrs)  
RTEC103 Audio Recording III 3
RTEC149 Live Video Production 3
RTEC126 Sound Reinforcement 2
RTEC132 Recording Arts Business 3
COMM101 Speech or 3
BUAD110 Business Communications  
RTEC135 Lighting Technology 1
     
     
Spring - Semester 4 (16 Hrs)  
RTEC104 Audio Recording IV 3
RTEC160 Recording Arts Internship 1
RTEC162 Recording Arts Thesis 3
MUSI104 History of Jazz/Rock 3
  General Education Elective 3
  General Education Elective 3
     
 
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS
 61
*College Success Skills is required for all first-time, full-time students with fewer than 15 credit hours.

New time slots:
FALL
RTEC 140 Recording Studio Applications – Monday 11:00 to 11:50
RTEC 144 Digital Video Production – Monday 3:00 to 4:40
RTEC 149 Live Video Production – Wednesday 3:00 to 4:40
SPRING
RTEC 121 MIDI Production – Monday 10:00 to 11:40
RTEC 148 Digital Video Production II – Monday 3:00 to 4:40
RTEC 162 Recording Arts Thesis – Wednesday 3:00 to 3:50
RTEC 160 Recording Arts Internship – Wednesday 4:00 to 4:50