Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Creative Arts, Design & Media
- Program Code: 10-701-4
- Offering: In-class
- Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
- Start Dates: August/January
About the Audio Production Degree
Description
Combining creative and practical aspects of sound and music, this program prepares you to enter the audio engineering field. Coursework covers working with live and recorded sound to provide more employment options.
The explosion of social media and web use for independent artists, plus the increase in affordable digital audio workstations, present opportunities for audio engineers.
You can earn the Audio Engineer technical diploma on the way to completing this degree.
Additional program details: Class topics include live sound, such as concerts and church services, and also includes recording, studio engineering, field recording, production of beats, audio for gaming, sound for film, and sound for interactive applications such as animation, multimedia and web audio.
Important to your success are abilities to work as part of a team and be a self-starter, work under stress and meet deadlines.
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Audio Engineer
Plan now for a sound future. You will learn to work with live sound at concerts, stage and church settings; studio recordings and studio engineering; field recordings; production of beats; and audio for gaming. This program prepares you for entry-level positions in the audio engineering field.
Music Occupations
Prepare for a career in music by developing your skills as a well-rounded musician. Areas of study include theory fundamentals such as reading, analysis, composition, ear training and more. Students have opportunities to focus on performance or composition courses.
Detailed Program Information
2024-25 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AUDIO-100 | Introduction to Audio Software ^ | 1 |
| AUDIO-102 | Techniques of Sound Recording ‡ ^ | 3 |
| AUDIO-103 | Recording Live Concerts ‡ ^ | 3 |
| ENG-195 | Written Communication ‡ ^ (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| MUSIC-150 | Music Theory | 4 |
| MUSIC-189 | Voice Lab 1 ^ | 1 |
| AUDIO-111 | Advanced Audio Software ‡ ^ | 1 |
| AUDIO-114 | Critical Listening of Sound and Music | 2 |
| AUDIO-116 | Advanced Techniques of Sound Recording ‡ | 3 |
| AUDIO-117 | Sound Reinforcement ^ | 3 |
| MATH-107 | College Mathematics ‡ (or) Any 200-level MATH course |
3 |
| MUSIC-177 | Piano Lab 1 ^ | 1 |
| PSYCH-199 | Psychology of Human Relations (or) Any 200-level PSYCH course |
3 |
| AUDIO-118 | Studio Management and Design ‡ | 2 |
| AUDIO-120 | Audio Production for Video Media | 3 |
| AUDIO-125 | Advanced MIDI Recording ‡ | 1 |
| ENG-196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication ‡ (or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course |
3 |
| MUSIC-101 | Music Business | 2 |
| SOCSCI-197 | Contemporary American Society (or) Any 200-level SOCSCI or HIST course |
3 |
| AUDIO-126 | Electronics for Audio Engineers ‡ ^ | 2 |
| AUDIO-127 | Mastering for Media ‡ | 3 |
| AUDIO-128 | Final Project – Field Work ‡ | 3 |
| ELECTIVES | (Four credits) Suggested elective: MUSIC-210 World Music Sound and Structure |
4 |
| MKTG-118 | Social Media Marketing | 3 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
60 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
^ Counts toward earning the Audio Engineer technical diploma.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
Important Dates
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Produce and edit audio recordings using professional software and equipment
- Apply studio management practices and standards
- Apply critical listening and post-production mastering skills to final audio mixes
- Demonstrate the process of live mixing by blending multiple sources of digital audio using a mixing console
- Set up and prepare audio equipment for proper sound reinforcement during performances
- Post-production mixing
- Apply principles of music fundamentals to professional sound recordings
Career Outlook
The explosion of social media and web use for independent artists, along with the availability of affordable digital audio workstations, have created ongoing employment opportunities for audio engineers in live applications, commercial recording studios, and home recording production suites.
Graduates of this program seek positions as recording engineers for commercial recording studios producing final product for local, regional and national recording artists; studios producing audio voice, music, and sound effects for radio and television broadcast commercials and radio programs; studios recording music for instructional books for publishing companies; and movie soundtracks and sound effects tracks; animation; gaming and multimedia.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Audio Engineer
Live Sound Engineer
Music Tracking Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Studio Owner
Admission Requirements
- Demonstration of basic computer skills in the Mac OS
- Must have the ability to lift, bend, and move equipment
Scholarships
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now.
Request Info Visit Us Apply Now
QUESTIONS?
Creative Arts, Design & Media Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6004
creativeartspathway@matc.edu