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Preparatory Computer Music
Computer Music - Pro Tools Level I
Faculty: Angela Taylor
As accessibility to personal home studios has increased, the Prep Computer Music Department is pleased to offer Pro Tools recording classes. Group classes are designed to guide students from an introduction to the MIDI studio to an understanding of the techniques required for recording studio production.
Classes will be taught using on a Mac computer running Pro Tools LE. Students are highly advised to purchase their own Pro Tools LE system (AudioMIDI.com offers academic pricing) though techniques learned can be applied to any software app/computer platform. Students will complete their assignments using their own home computers. Academic-priced hardware/software is available from retailers (such as AudioMidi.com, Studica.com, Guitar Center, Sweetwater Sound, etc.).
Prerequisites:
• Comfortable using your computer, installing software, creating/playing mp3 files.
• Comfortable playing singlehanded on a MIDI (piano) keyboard (nothing virtuoso).
• A strong interest in music.
• Patience to work through various technical problems you will inevitably encounter in your studio.
• (Internet access is highly recommended so you can search internet forums for tech support when needed.)
Supplies needed in your home studio:
• Computer of recent vintage (Mac or PC)
• MIDI-capable (piano style) Keyboard (hopefully with USB input)
• (If your keyboard is old, may also need MIDI cables)
• Pro Tools LE hardware/Software (see below)
• Blank CDs and/or Flash Drive to bring in homework
• Later in Semester: Mic, Cable, and Headphones. Decent Speakers.
If you don't own some of these items, consider coming to the first class to get advice before you go out and purchase lots of gear. Keep all your receipts and original packaging so you can return mis-purchased items!
Curriculum:
The book for the Level I course is Pro Tools 101 Official Courseware. Also, Ms. Taylor will bring in session files of additional songs for everyone to take home and mix.
Homework:
Each week students will be asked to assemble a new song in their home studio, because the only way to get better at using your studio is to spend time in there - lots of it. It is up students how much time to spend/how elaborate you want your songs to be.
Computer Music Spring 2010
Pro Tools Level I (TCM101) Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm Room C314
The cost per semester (16 weeks) is $428.
The Spring Semester begins Jan 28, 2010.
Enrollment disclaimer: 4 people need to sign up per class for it to successfully run. We will always hold the first class (Jan 28, 2010) but will assess enrollment at that date. So, please enroll(!), but you may want to hold off on equipment purchases until the first class meets.
For more info contact instructor Angela Taylor at ataylor@peabody.jhu.edu
Q: I am interested in the Pro Tools 101; however there are numerous supplies required and I am not sure if it is financially feasible. I own a MAC BOOK PRO but do not own any of the other items. Can you give me a range of what it would cost to purchase?
A: I am never sure if enough people will sign up for the class to run each semester (4 people minimum) so I would suggest you sign up, and come to the first class before buying anything. Peabody will refund all your money if it doesn’t run.
Now, onto your question: Your computer is fine.
• MIDI-capable (piano style) Keyboard cheapest thing you can buy is fine. Try Goodwill. Or Craigs List. Or eBay. Try to buy something new enough that it has a USB connection on the back.
• (If your MIDI keyboard is really old, and lacks a USB connection, you may need MIDI cables/MIDI interface. No big deal, just be forewarned.)
• Pro Tools LE
Mbox 2 Mini will work, though I don’t care so much for Digidesign’s USB interfaces, as they lack low latency monitoring.
Mbox 2 Pro you will like much better (firewire interface supports low latency monitoring) but it does cost more.
Academic Pricing:
http://www.audiomidi.com/academic-sales-C22.aspx?cid=22&page=2
$559 Mbox 2 Pro Educational - and I would suggest you buy the Mbox 2 Pro "Factory" option because it includes a lot of nice plug-ins.
• Blank CDs and/or Flash Drive to bring in homework
• Later in Semester: Mic, Cable, and Headphones. Decent Speakers. Not junky $10 computer speakers.
Sometimes you can get nice equipment bundles on starter packages. Try audioMIDI.com, sweetwater, studica.com
The Level II course is currently suspended. It will be re-instated if there is sufficient interest (4 person minimum enrollment). The Level II course is run like an advanced-level seminar. Students are encouraged to bring in their session files from whatever projects they are working on in their home studios. Also we will discuss advanced topics like Digi plugins vs. Waves plugins vs. McDSP plugins, mixing techniques, miking techniques, production techniques, etc. Students can take this course more than once as new topics will be discussed each week and each semester.
