Music Production Degree

Music Production Degree Program Outline

AIU offers a professionally-focused Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music Production with a specialization in Audio Engineering and Sound Engineering that can provide students with an opportunity to develop specific skills needed to produce audio tracks for productions, such as motion pictures, television, music videos and recording.

In AIU's Music Production Degree Program You Can Learn How To:

Demonstrate a thorough technical understanding of the three phases of the motion picture production process (preproduction, production and postproduction) and the contributions of audio specialists at each.
Generate and properly utilize industry-standard paperwork to track and control all three phases of motion picture production
Demonstrate technical competency with various industry-standard software, camera, grip and lighting and recording technologies
Demonstrate an understanding of on-set protocol/behavior and professionalism appropriate to field, studio and postproduction applications.
Contribute appropriately in a variety of positions to the production of motion picture projects
Develop audio projects from concept to finished product, on time and on budget, to a client’s specifications.
Organize and manage self-directed audio production projects

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Music Production Courses

Degree Requirements

Courses

General Education

Credits

ENGL106 In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.	English Composition I	4.5
ENGL107 In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.	English Composition II	4.5
MATH125 An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success.	General College Mathematics	4.5
UNIV103 This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings.	Academic and Professional Success	4.5
UNIV106 This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Students will learn how to recognize the difference between good and bad information as well as be able to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will learn how to manage data using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace to investigate, design, construct, and communicate responsibly. This course helps students improve technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century and increases the awareness of their impact on society.	Technology and Information Literacy	4.5
UNIV109 This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.	Interpersonal Communication	4.5
	Humanities (2 Courses)	9
	Natural Sciences (2 Courses)	9
	Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses)	9
	General Education Electives (1)	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	58.5

General Electives

Credits

	General Elective	4.5
	Internship/General Elective	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	9

Lower Division Core

Credits

DFAP101 This course introduces students to the basic concepts, practices and equipment of motion picture production. Students will learn to organize a shoot, put together a crew, shoot out of sequence and finish a variety of video productions.	Production Techniques I	4.5
DFAP102 This course introduces students to basic audio concepts, techniques, theories and equipment; including microphones, the studio mixing console and nonlinear recording and editing.	Audio Production I	4.5
DFAP201 In this class, students will examine the screenplay development process. Through the course, students will learn the elements of narrative form, professional formatting, and character development.	Screenwriting I	4.5
DFAP202 This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of nonlinear editing including capture, creation, manipulation, and output of digital video. Through a series of hands-on assignments, students will begin to develop storytelling and technical proficiency using industry-standard software.	Postproduction I	4.5
DFAP211 Through a series of hands on exercises, students develop skills in the basics of lighting for the camera. Particular attention will be paid to the various roles and responsibilities of the camera and lighting departments and developing an understanding of proper set protocols.	Camera & Lighting I	4.5
DFAP304 The course examines the history of cinema from a variety of aesthetic, sociological, and technological perspectives with the intent of developing an understanding and aesthetic appreciation of film. Students will research and discuss selected cinematic genres, styles, techniques and developments from the earliest days of cinema to the present.	American Cinema	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	27

Upper Division Core

Credits

DFAP205 Students learn thoroughly the concepts and methodologies required for multi-track recording, mixing and editing. This course will focus on industry standard Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) application skills including editing, level balancing, imaging, use of EQ, dynamic processing, spatial effects and multi-track organization.	Audio Production II	4.5
DFAP300 Students will explore the role of the sound recordist in film and video production and examine how to record sound for picture. Microphone selection, boom operation, stereo recording, live mixing, and use of radio mics are all essential elements of the course.	Field Recording Techniques	4.5
DFAP309 In this course, students continue to develop their understanding of basic- and intermediate-level production mechanics. Particular attention will be placed on the collaborative nature of movie making and the roles and responsibilities of various crew positions.	Production Techniques II	4.5
DFAP314 Students study advanced editing styles and techniques, with particular focus placed on developing dramatic tension, continuity and storytelling, and the psychological effects of specific techniques. Students will also develop their technical skill in relation to color-correction, basic motion graphics and digital effects and sound design.	Media Postproduction II	4.5
DFAP318 In this course, students explore the preproduction process underpinning the creation of a work of media. Scheduling, budgeting, rights acquisition and packaging of the finished product will be of particular focus.	Producing I	4.5
DFAP411 In this course, students develop and pitch thesis-level projects. Students will submit concepts, draft screenplays, prepare production teams and packages, and then pitch their projects to a panel of faculty and industry advisors.	Pitching and Project Management	4.5
DFAP412 Students will develop and submit demo reels to showcase their best work. Topics covered will include advanced editing, presentation skills, resume writing, interviewing technique, and new media delivery (website, social media, etc.). Portfolios will be submitted for review by faculty and invited industry experts. Upon completion of the course, students will have professional-quality, industry-reviewed portfolios to use as part of their job search.	Portfolio	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	31.5

Audio Recording and Sound Design

Credits

DFAP222 Students learn multi-track recording, advanced MIDI applications, pre-production and various techniques and strategies for recording live drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Students are also introduced to key concepts in mixing music within a stereo environment.	Music Production I	4.5
DFAP302 Students learn advanced production techniques including how to work with talent, multiple microphone instrument recording, advanced engineering techniques and studio signal flow.	Music Production II	4.5
DFAP305 Students will be taken through a series of listening exercises designed to teach them to listen critically to frequency, loudness (expressed in decibels), distortion and time based effects. Focus will be placed upon developing basic listening skills that lead to accurate analysis of recorded sound.	Critical Listening	4.5
DFAP313 Working with a series of pre-recorded music sessions students will focus on mixing techniques and be able to creatively utilize effects, processors and automation.	Music Mixing and Mastering	4.5
DFAP316 An introductory course focusing on the creation of music via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students learn how to record, sequence and edit their own music using a computer with appropriate software and MIDI keyboard.	MIDI and Electronic Music	4.5
DFAP323 Students will explore a variety of music subjects within the context of audio recording and production. Specific topics include music fundamentals, music theory, form and styles, and basic aural and keyboarding skills.	Musicianship for Engineers	4.5
DFAP329 Students focus on the creative role of the sound designer, learning to create and mix sonic landscapes that enhance the moving image. Students in this course will collaborate with those enrolled in DFAP 401 Senior Project I to develop a complete movie soundtrack.	Sound Design I	4.5
DFAP427 A survey of recorded music, this course gives a broad overview of the major developments in music since the advent of recording, and places those developments in a social context.	History of Recorded Music	4.5
DFAP438 In this class students will develop and apply advanced multitrack recording techniques, advanced song production, talent direction, and studio communication skills in several music projects.	Producing and Engineering	4.5
DFAP439 Students continue to develop skills in microphone selection and placement technique, advanced studio signal flow (including console), artist interaction and extensive recording engineering pre-production.	Advanced Producing and Engineering	4.5
DFAP444 Students develop skills needed to create a professional film soundtrack, including: effects editing, automatic dialog replacement (ADR), dialog editing and Foley recording.	Postproduction Recording	4.5
DFAP446 Students learn to compose music for a variety of film and video-based projects. Each assignment is mixed to stereo and subsequently laid back to picture.	Music for Picture	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	54

Total Credit Hours : 180

Music Production Classes Overview

This program is designed to provide you with an opportunity to advance your creative and technical abilities in areas such as building professional soundtracks, including effects editing, automatic dialog replacement (ADR), dialog editing, audio sweetening and foleying, composing and mixing music for films and videos, and enhancing moving images with innovative sound design. For a Music Production Degree, your classes may include:

Music Production I

Students will study multi-track recording, advanced MIDI applications, pre-production and various techniques and strategies for recording live drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Students are also introduced to key concepts in mixing music within a stereo environment.

Music Production II

Students will study advanced production techniques including how to work with talent, multiple microphone instrument recording, advanced engineering techniques and studio signal flow.

Critical Listening

Students will explore a series of listening exercises designed to teach them to listen critically to frequency, loudness (expressed in decibels), distortion and time based effects. Focus will be placed upon developing basic listening skills that lead to accurate analysis of recorded sound.

Music Mixing and Mastering

Working with a series of pre-recorded music sessions students will focus on mixing techniques and be able to creatively utilize effects, processors and automation.

MIDI and Electronic Music

This introductory course focuses on the creation of music via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students will study how to record, sequence and edit their own music using a computer with appropriate software and MIDI keyboard.

Musicianship for Engineers

Students will explore a variety of music subjects within the context of audio recording and production. Specific topics include music fundamentals, music theory, form and styles, and basic aural and keyboarding skills.

Sound Design I

Students focus on the creative role of the sound designer, learning to create and mix sonic landscapes that enhance the moving image. Students in this course will have the opportunity to collaborate with those enrolled in DFAP 401 Senior Project I to develop a complete movie soundtrack.

History of Recorded Music

A survey of recorded music, this course is designed to provide a broad overview of the major developments in music since the advent of recording, and places those developments in a social context.

Producing and Engineering

In this class students will have the opportunity to work to develop and apply advanced multitrack recording techniques, advanced song production, talent direction, and studio communication skills in several music projects.

Advanced Producing and Engineering

Students will have the opportunity to work to develop skills in microphone selection and placement technique, advanced studio signal flow (including console), artist interaction and extensive recording engineering pre-production.

Postproduction and Recording

Students will have the opportunity to work to develop skills needed to create a professional film soundtrack, including: effects editing, automatic dialog replacement (ADR), dialog editing and Foley recording.

Music for Picture

Students will study how to compose music for a variety of film and video-based projects. Each assignment is mixed to stereo and subsequently laid back to picture.

University Catalog

Course content subject to change.

Ways to Save on Your Music Production Degree

FAQ

What is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design degree?

AIU’s BFA degree in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design is designed to provide studio-based, creative and technical knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing a potential career path in audio recording. This degree program emphasizes learning the fundamentals of audio engineering and electronic music creation, general media production, editing, and foley special effects sound production.

How long does it take to earn a BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Production and Sound Design degree?

Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed as 48-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your BFA in Media Production can be influenced by course loads, proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.

What kind of courses will I take to earn a BFA in Media Production degree?

As you work to complete your BFA degree in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design, you will be immersed in courses such as: Music Mixing and Mastering; Critical Listening; Music Production; and Sound Design. After successful completion of the Audio Production II course, you may also choose to pursue a certification in AVID Pro Tools.

When and where can I begin my audio recording and sound design classes?

Courses for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design start approximately every five weeks, exclusively on our Atlanta campus. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation. To schedule a tour of our campus, visit us at https://www.aiuniv.edu/campus-locations/atlanta. For a virtual tour of the Atlanta campus design studios and labs, including our apparel design and merchandizing facilities, click here: https://youtu.be/B76TcRrt89M.

How many credits are required to graduate from the BFA in Media Production degree program?

The BFA in Media Production degree program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

What will I study in the BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design degree program?

By studying key topics in audio recording and sound design you will learn how to:

Perform all three phases of audio production, from pre- to postproduction.
Record and edit music and audio using software and recording technologies common in the industry.
Develop audio projects from concept to finished product, on-time and on-budget, to a client’s specifications.
Collaborate with other students and industry professionals.

What creative and technical abilities will I be able to work to develop in the BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Audio Recording and Sound Design degree program?

You will have the opportunity to advance your creative and technical abilities in areas such as building professional soundtracks, including effects editing, automatic dialog replacement (ADR), dialog editing, audio sweetening and foleying, composing and mixing music for films and videos, and enhancing moving images with innovative sound design. You may also choose to pursue a certification in AVID Pro Tools.

Who I will be learning from?

In addition to a quality curriculum based on industry-relevant standards, AIU’s BFA in Media Production with a specialized focus in Audio Recording and Sound Design is taught by instructors with current experience in the recording industry, and a range of knowledge and perspectives. You will have the opportunity to learn from individuals who can share their understanding of the qualities and skills sought in today’s competitive marketplace for creative professionals in a variety of film, video and audio fields.

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